One of the many unique aspects of Ocean City is that the community is a diverse bunch full of people from all walks of life and views, and it’s not just made up of residents, renters and businesses on the island of Ocean City.

When local people are asked where they are from when away from home, such as when local students go off to college, locals always say Ocean City, despite the fact they may reside in Berlin, Ocean Pines, Fenwick Island, Showell, Snow Hill, West Ocean City, Bishopville or other points nearby.

That’s why the events of Sunday in Ocean City will not soon be forgotten. The community, despite what may come across the police blotter from time and time, and yes the incidents seem more frequent and disturbing of late, hurts when tragedy strikes. That’s exactly what happened Sunday shortly before 4 in the afternoon when a single-engine plane crashed, killing two Ocean City police officers.

Many will remember where they were there when they first heard about this plane crash. Immediate word was the plane was occupied by two off-duty police officers. That did step up the enormity of the tragedy, although perhaps that’s unfair. It’s always disturbing when young people die in a horrific accident witnessed by thousands of people on the beach and in the ocean.

Days later, once the bodies were recovered, the reflection time began for those close to the officers who perished in the accident. Our thoughts are with the family members as well as those in the Ocean City Police Department. We encourage you to like the department’s Facebook page and share your sentiments with that team and its’ followers. Your messages will be read and appreciated.

Today, we shine our light on the incident and the community’s reaction to it. Our way of recognizing the service of the fallen officers as well as the heartache many have felt throughout the week was to alter our front page in an effort of remembrance. The thin blue line symbol is a simple show of support for the police in a challenging time of despair.

This has been an emotional week for Ocean City and one that will not be forgotten. Two officers plunge to their death in a horrific accident, 48 hours prior to the new police chief being sworn into office. It was comforting to see Chief Ross Buzzuro on the beach Sunday and Monday with officers and family friends watching and waiting for the bodies to be recovered. He was obviously impacted by the tragedy based off his comments this week.

It’s impossible not to be effected by it. Mayor Rick Meehan put it well when he said, “Thoughts and prayers from this entire community go out to the members of our police department and to their families. They have moved on but they will not be forgotten. God bless them and God bless you all.”