Former Ocean City Fire Chief Joe Foglio Jr. dies at 67

Joe Foglio Jr., who followed his father into the Ocean City Fire Department and would become fire chief during a stellar 31-year career known for his many safety innovations, died Monday from pancreatic cancer. He was 67.

As chief, Foglio was known for his strong work ethic, investing in his firefighters and his dedication to the department, Ocean City Firefighters Association Local 4032 said in a Facebook post honoring his legacy.

His legacy included carrying on his family’s tradition of serving the community as a firefighter. His father, Joe Foglio Sr., served as a firefighter for more than 40 years and rose to the rank of captain before retiring.

Like his father, Joe Foglio Jr., also established himself as a leader. He joined the fire department in 1980 and rose to the rank of captain in 1989. He continued to climb the ranks, becoming deputy chief in 1991, acting chief in 1998 and ultimately winning appointment as chief in 2000. He retired in 2011.

“His number one priority was always the safety of his men,” according to his obituary.

His obituary and the Local 4032 Facebook post noted his many achievements while guiding the fire department as its chief.

“Throughout his tenure, Chief Foglio’s number one priority was providing exceptional Fire/Rescue and Emergency Medical Services to the residents and visitors of The City of Ocean City, while protecting and standing up for his firefighters. Throughout various city administrations, he always fought for his department’s staffing, apparatus, and equipment, which was at times under attack,” Local 4032 said.

His obituary said he furthered the fire department’s training in ocean rescues, emergency medical services and extractions. He also incorporated the Ocean City Emergency Medical Services and the Ocean City Beach Patrol under the supervision of the fire department. He also required the placement of defibrillators on all rescue vehicles to maintain Ocean City’s high cardiac lifesaving rate.

“Chief Foglio spearheaded many operational changes to the department. He expanded the department by combining the Ocean City Rescue Squad, a small number of career EMTs supplemented by volunteers, due to a drastic call volume increase and community need for professional services staffed 24/7/365,” Local 4032 said.

    Fire Chief Joe Foglio Jr., second from right, is joined by fellow Ocean City firefighters.
  

Mayor Jay Gillian called Foglio one of Ocean City’s “legends” while honoring the former fire chief’s accomplishments in a statement Friday.

“Not only was he a dedicated public servant, but under his leadership, the department became a model of excellence with the State of New Jersey,” Gillian said.

The mayor and his wife, Michele, extended their condolences to Foglio’s family, friends and fellow firefighters while commending him as an “exemplary public servant.”

During a fire department awards ceremony this year, Foglio was the recipient of the first “Fire Service Lifetime Achievement Award.” In his remarks at the ceremony, Foglio emphasized the importance of firefighters taking care of not only others, but also themselves, his obituary said.

“Chief Foglio truly shaped this department into what it is today, having hired a majority of the current firefighters and officers. To say he will be missed is an understatement,” Local 4032 said.

Foglio was born on Aug. 25, 1957, in Somers Point and grew up in Ocean City. He was a 1975 graduate of Ocean City High School, where he was captain of the basketball team.

He joined his classmates for their 50th reunion ceremony at Carey Stadium during the 2025 Ocean City High School graduation in June.

He graduated from East Stroudsburg State College in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts in physical education. He received an associate’s degree in fire science from Atlantic Cape Community College and also studied fire administration at the University of Maryland.

Foglio died on Monday after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by his family and his best friend, Carmen Costanza, his obituary said.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Debra, and his children, Christina Aiello, Joseph, Ashlea Foglio-Laielli, Shawnee Maduzia and Michael, as well as eight grandchildren.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, Aug, 5, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Godfrey Funeral Home in Palermo. A funeral service will follow. Burial will be at Seaside Cemetery in Palermo.

    The fire department was transformed with a series of safety innovations while Joe Foglio Jr. was the chief.