NORWICH – Acting Fire Chief Joseph Angelino addressed the City of Norwich Finance and Personnel committees Tuesday night about a vacancy in the fire department as well as overtime scheduling.

The city’s Chief of Police started by discussing what he had seen during his time at the fire department. “We have the best of both, paid and volunteer,” he said. “We have instantaneous response and volunteer back up.” Larger cities, including Johnson City and Endicott, he said, use Norwich as an example for their departments. Angelino said over the seven months he has been at the fire department, he has been typing up his observations and that he will have recommendations for the council.

“There are some smart and dedicated people there who could run the show better than I because they are firemen,” he said.

Sixth Ward Alderman Robert Jeffrey asked Angelino if the department was looking to fill the vacancy or not. First Ward Alderman A. Anthony Abraham, said it was previously “agreed upon that we wouldn’t fill vacancies left from retirement or attrition.”

Angelino said that eventually the position would need to be filled. “One of these captains is going to step forward, or you’re going to pick one. If you move that person up (to fill the position of Fire Chief) you will need to replace them,” Angelino told the committee.

Jeffrey asked what was the average cost to the city for a paid fireman with overtime and benefits. Director of Human Resources Deborah DeForest answered, saying the average cost is $100,826.