Robert “Bo” Duke served 22 years with OCVFD, chief twice

By Steve Price Contributing Writer

Continued from Page 60 (Aug. 18, 2023) This week we proudly recognize current life member and former Deputy Chief / Volunteer Fire Chief Robert “Bo” Duke III.

Chief Duke grew up in Berlin and moved to Ocean City in 1985 following his graduation from Stephen Decatur High School and attending the University of Maryland, College Park.

Bo has been an employee with the Harrison Group for the past 36 years and currently serves as a project manager for the company.

Chief Duke married his wife Hayley in 2022 and they enjoy a “blended family” including four children –Robbie and Kennedy Duke and Tyler and Remi Howard.

His hobbies include hunting and fishing.

Bo has competed in the White Marlin Open since 1998 and won the event in 2010 catching the second heaviest white marlin in tournament history while fishing aboard the boat – Shelly II.

Bo was urged to join the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company by his good friend, current Deputy Chief / Volunteer Fire Chief Jay Jester.

During his 22 years of active service, Chief Duke has served in a wide variety of roles in the OCVFC, including but not limited to the following: a member of the board of directors, lieutenant on Tanker 719, platoon captain, engineer and assistant fire chief.

He has twice served as chief of the volunteer fire company – first in 2012 and again in 2015. He has been the recipient of several volunteer fire company citations including Firefighter of the Year in 2002, Member of the Year in 2006 and the Chief’s Award in 2005.

Chief Duke recalls the Aug. 24,

2002, fire at the Siesta Villa Condos on 51st Street in Ocean City as the most significant event of his firefighting career. He and other members of the OCVFC used an unorthodox laddering of the balconies to rescue an unconscious, severely burned victim from the structure.

The victim was flown to Peninsula Regional Medical Center and later transferred to the burn center in Baltimore.

Duke received the Medal of Valor, the Colborn Silver Cup from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association, and several other commendations recognizing his heroic efforts in the incident.

Chief Duke said his greatest accomplishment was the opportunity to respond and represent the state of