NORWICH — After 36 years in law enforcement, Norwich Police Chief Joseph G. Angelino has announced his plan to retire Dec. 31, 2014.
Angelino has led the city’s police force since September of 1996, replacing former chief Robert Mason.
Angelino will close his career with 18 years as Norwich’s Chief of Police.
“Joseph Angelino is a true professional who has freely given his life to public service and the mentoring of scores of police officers,” said Walter Schermerhorn, President of the City of Norwich Common Council. “It has been a privilege to work with him. He has been an asset to the city and the community.”
Angelino was a 1978 graduate of the Norwich High School, and in January of 1979 he was appointed as a deputy sheriff by Joseph J. Benenati, Jr., the Chenango County Sheriff at the time. Angelino was 18 years old.
In May of 1981, Angelino was appointed to the Norwich Police as an officer during the term of former Mayor Frederick B. Mirabito and Norwich Police Chief Richard Decker.
Four years later, Angelino took a leave of absence from the police department to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He remained either active or as a reservist until he retired from the Marine Corps in 2008.
In November 1990, Angelino was activated as a Tank Commander and was sent to Saudi Arabia for the Persian Gulf War.
Angelino returned and continued his career in law enforcement, earning a promotion to Sergeant in the Norwich Police by Chief Robert Mason in January 1994.
Later in 1994, Angelino was again activated as a Marine to participate in the invasion of Haiti.
Two years later, Angelino was selected as the Chief of Police by the Norwich City Council and former Mayor Joseph Biviano, a position he will hold until the last day of this year.
“Joe (Angelino) has meant so much to this city,” said Richard Snyder, president of Snyder Communications. “Besides his commitment to protect us as a member of the military and our police chief, he has also been so important in promoting the city itself. Whether it’s the Festival of Lights Parade, Gus Macker, Colorscape, The Blues Festival, or at any event that promotes the enjoyment of living here in Norwich, you will find Chief Angelino.”
Additionally, Angelino has studied Police Science and received a two year certificate. In 1984, as the Police Benevolent Association Union President, he successfully was able to negotiate a 20-year retirement plan for NPD officers, as compared to the previous 25-year retirement plan.
Angelino completed Motor Vehicle Crash Investigations and Reconstruction school in 1991, and in 1992 he became a police instructor where he taught police officers across the state in police academies specializing in Alcohol Beverage Control laws, arrest and detention of juveniles, and various other police topics.
In 1999, directed by former Mayor Robert Raphael and City Engineer Asa Allison, Angelino was involved in the development and design plans for the construction of a police headquarters. In 2000, the NPD moved from 31 East Main St. to 18 East Main St. in downtown Norwich.
Three years later — in February 2003 — Angelino was activated by President George Bush for the invasion of Iraq as a Marine Corps First Sergeant. He participated in the Battle of Nasiriyah, Iraq, assisting in the re-establishment of government in Iraq, specifically police departments in the cities of Nasiriyah and Al-Batra.
In June 2005, Angelino again was activated for duty in Iraq as an inspector, instructor and trainer for the Iraqi Army.
During this tour of duty, Angelino received two Purple Heart Medals.
Upon his return from duty in Iraq, Angelino was appointed by the Norwich City Council and Mayor Joseph Maiurano as Fire Chief, to replace Norwich Fire Department Chief John Tighe who retired.
