NORWICH – The Norwich Fire Department held its annual Awards and Recognition Banquet Saturday at the Canasawacta County Club in Norwich.

Because of the high demands placed on the department, including floods, fires and a number of motor vehicle accidents, the firefighter of the year award, which is usually dedicated to an individual, was instead presented to the entire department.

“The year 2006 had two devastating flood events, during which time the entire department distinguished itself. Every member, from the Explorers and Auxiliary, and of course the volunteer and professional firefighters, did a miraculous job to help the community during that awful time. It would have been very difficult to recognize only one member,” said Fire and Police Chief Joseph Angelino.