Ocean City — Council honored former council president and volunteer John Flood on Dec. 22 with a proclamation summarizing his many contributions to Ocean City.

Flood was Third Ward councilman from 1988 to 1996, serving as council president for the last four years of his tenure on the governing body. He was born and raised in Ocean City and owns Wash Bowl Coin-Op Laundry. Flood served as president of the Ocean City Library Board.

“You have done a terrific job in everything that you’ve done,” Mayor Sal Perillo told Flood. “There’s nothing that you do halfway. Everything you do, you throw yourself into it.”

Perillo recognized Flood’s contribution as president of the Library Board and his efforts with the current library and community center expansion project.

Perillo presented Flood with a piece of the Ocean City Boardwalk in recognition to Flood’s 13 years of service on the Library Board and his past public service for the city.

“Doing a good job and public service is like wetting your pants in a dark suit; it gives you a nice, warm feeling but few people notice,” Flood joked.

Flood thanked his fellow trustees on the Library Board and the librarians and support staff of the Ocean City Free Public Library. He said the cooperation between the council, city officials and contractor was a team effort in the library’s new expansion.

He also thanked his family for providing support through the years when he served on council, and dispensed advice for those contemplating political service.

“The one rule that still holds that anybody that’s running for city council or thinking about throwing their hat into the ring should learn is that if you want to be seen, stand up. If you want to be heard, speak up, and if you want to be appreciated, shut up,” Flood said.