Williams’ journey with the OCVFC began during her junior year at Stephen Decatur when a teacher recommended, she enroll in the EMT and Fire One classes offered at Worcester Technical High School. This opportunity required joining the OCVFC’s cadet program, as she was under 18 at the time.

“Even though I was hesitant at first, there was no reason to be because this is something I wanted to be involved in for a very long time,” Williams reflects on her initial experience.

In the spring of 2020, Williams transitioned from the cadet program to become an active member. Among her most memorable experiences were the winter duty crews of 2021 and 2022, where she and her fellow volunteers staffed the station on weekends.

“We ended up running a working fire almost every weekend,” she recalls. “Attending drills and taking classes are so important, but actually getting to use what I learned at drills on those fires made me a better firefighter.”

Drawing from her background as a swimmer, Williams serves on the department’s water rescue team, a specialized unit that requires annual tryouts. “Since we live on a peninsula, water rescues are very common and we must be prepared,” she explains. “With my swimming background, I found it would be a disservice to the community if I did not try out and become a water rescue swimmer.”

The sense of community within the OCVFC has had a profound impact on Williams. “Being part of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company has become a huge part of my life,” she said. “I have built many friendships with people I never imagined to be possible. Being part of this fire company means that I have a group of people who were once strangers and have now become like a family and who have my back no matter what.”

For those considering joining the fire service, Williams offers this advice: “Just join. Once you’re in, show up, listen, learn, ask questions and give it your all. There are always going to be things you do not know, but that’s okay because there are plenty of others who will and are more than happy to teach you. Joining OCVFC has been one of the best decisions I have ever made, you won’t regret it either.”

We thank Delaney for her dedication to protecting the lives and property of our residents and visitors to Ocean City, and for exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism that makes our community stronger.