VIDEO: New changes are coming to the structure of the Norwich fire service and its volunteer departments. Announced last Friday by city leaders, Chief Samuel Wilson III is at the helm of the new structure that puts all departments under one chief. That includes the five volunteer departments of East Great Plain, Laurel Hill, Occum, Taftville, and Yantic. They all have their own ways of operating.
The goal is to establish a clear chain of command and easier communication with standard, uniform guidelines for when firefighters from any of the six departments are at a scene. โBy coming together under one fire department, weโll have on training program. Purchasing gear together, purchasing apparatus together, one plan on how to best serve the citizens,โ said Wilson.
City Manager John Salomone said that this is not about eliminating tradition or local identity, but about building something stronger together. The volunteer departments have a strong, rich history. Yantic was established in 1847. Some are fearful that it may be lost in the change, but city leaders said that the new system will help make the six departments one cohesive team. The chiefs of the volunteer departments are still trying to work through some of the changes but are committed to responding when emergencies arise.
