OC Volunteer Fire Company recognizes Bell’s long career

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

(Feb. 3, 2023) In our continuing efforts to “Spotlight” long-serving members of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, we recognize Reggie Bell.

Following four years of service in the OCVFC Cadet Program, Reggie joined the volunteer fire company on Sept. 12, 1972.

He attributes his love of the fire service and his desire “to help his community” to his late stepfather, Ocean City Mayor Hugh Thomas Cropper. Mayor Cropper was a member of the OCVFC for 69 years until his death in 1999.

Reggie retired from the Town of Ocean City Public Works Department after 26 years of service as a carpenter. In his younger years, Reggie worked as a waterman and was an avid saltwater fisherman.

He served as mate on the charter boat “Kim-Bar” out of Ocean City. As the mate in 1974, Reggie assisted an angler in catching a world-record white marlin on six-pound test line.

He was again the mate in 1975 when the “Kim-Bar” landed the first white marlin of the season for Ocean City.

During his nearly 51 years of active service to the OCVFC, Reggie served nine years as an officer on Engine/Pumper 17. He currently serves as a Worcester County fire po- lice officer.

Firefighter Bell cites the large building fires on the Boardwalk during the ’70’s and ’80’s as the most significant events of his firefighting career. Reggie shares his ability to serve the community for over 50 years as his greatest accomplishment in the fire service.

We thank Firefighter Bell for his years of service and commitment to the safety of our neighbors and visitors to our community.

For membership information or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, please visit www.ocvfc.com.