Ocean City Beach Patrol

Today we honored the life of our dear friend and brother, Ward, in a service filled with laughter, love, and stories, exactly as he would have wanted.

The Ocean City flag and memorial shadow box were presented to Ward’s sister as we remember his life, service, friendship, and the lasting impact he made on so many.

Ward will be deeply missed by his family, friends, fellow officers, all current and former Beach Patrol members, the Junior Beach Patrol community, and everyone fortunate enough to know him. His presence on the beach and in our lives will never be forgotten.

Hold your friends and loved ones close. Tell someone how much they mean to you today. Godspeed, Ward.

Next Monday, we will lay our dear friend, brother, and colleague, Lt. Ward Kovacs, to rest.
We honor his life, his service, and the legacy he leaves behind. His impact, laughter, and spirit will never be forgotten.
Godspeed, Ward. You will be dearly missed.

View Edward George Kovacs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Obituary information for Edward George Kovacs View Edward George Kovacs's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

Ward gave so much to all of us; his time, his leadership, and his heart. This scholarship honors his legacy by helping others chase their path, just as he always encouraged. You are missed, and never forgotten.

Lieutenant. Friend. Brother.

The black drape hangs heavy, a symbol of the weight we all feel.
We feel this loss in every way.

Ward, you were more than a teammate. You were family.

We miss you.
We love you.
We will carry you with us, always.

We invite all who knew and loved Ward to join us in honoring his life.

Visitation
Burbage Funeral Home
108 Williams St, Berlin, MD 21811

Thursday, May 7, 2026
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Funeral Service
Coastal Community Church
10900 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, MD 21811

Monday, May 11, 2026
10:00 am

🌊 Meet SRT Olivia Vassar 🌊
Olivia is heading into her 2nd year as an SRT, after also serving as a Junior Beach Patrol (JBP) Assistant Instructor. She spent 5 summers in JBP camp, where she gained a deep respect for the guards, and knew it was her dream to one day become one herself.
Last summer, Olivia was part of Crew 11 on 74th Street, making the most of every moment on and off the beach. From bonfires and crew dinners to the hot dog eating contest, she loves being part of the lifeguard family. When she’s not on duty, you’ll find her wake surfing, out on the boat, or spending time with her crew.
In the off-season, Olivia is a high school junior.
Favorite OCBP Memory: Watching her crew member Vic win the hot dog eating contest 🌭
Top Safety Tip: Stay out of rip currents
Want a job like Olivia’s?
👉 JoinBeachPatrol.com
📅 Final Tryout: Saturday, May 30th
📍 Ocean City Beach
Don’t miss it. 🌊

We are heartbroken with the loss of Lieutenant Edward “Ward” Kovacs, a cherished member of our Beach Patrol family.
For 43 years, Ward served with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and pride. His impact reaches far beyond the shoreline. He helped shape generations of lifeguards, set the standard for service, and built lasting bonds within our department and community.
Ward was more than a leader. He was a mentor, a teammate, and a constant presence who made everyone around him better. His legacy will live on in every guard he trained, every life he touched, and every watch we stand moving forward.
We will miss him deeply.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, fellow officers, lifeguards, and all who had the privilege to know him.

Look who came out to support the candidates today ❤️

Our lifeguards showing what this job is all about teamwork, support, and having each other’s backs from day one.

Good luck to everyone at the tryouts in Ocean Pines. Go all in. 🌊

Stop by Spring Fest and check out Hook Optics 😎

We’re proud to partner with the best in the game: Vision without limits. Our lifeguards put their gear to the test every day, and they’re forever grateful… our eyes are too.

Hands down, the best sunglasses I’ve ever worn.

LAST OFF-SITE TRYOUT FOR 2026 🌊

If you can run and swim… we’ll teach you the rest.

Your shot at the job of a lifetime is here.
Don’t miss it.

Show up ready. We’ll see you there. 👀