What's Happening in Norwich, CT…

The fire department in Norwich celebrated a promotion and an introduction into the department on May 25.

Local man Joe Muscarella, 22, has always wanted to be a firefighter. A Class of 2013 graduate of Norwich Free Academy, Muscarella did not pass the exam to be a firefighter at first but succeeded at his second attempt.

Also, Jason Manke has been promoted to Lieutenant. Previously the Safety and Training Director, he has been part of the department since 2007, starting as the department's first fire inspector to be hired from outside the organization. He said it was a challenge to learn who everyone was, the specifics of the city, and how to make a difference. He encountered a similar challenge when he was promoted to the training and safety department in 2016. In addition, there was a larger workload and accountability for preparing the team for every possibility. Manke leads the community Millstone drill and is a major part of emergency management.

Friends and family members of the fire department looked on and took pictures during the event. Leah and Matthew, Manke's children, pinned on his new badge, while Muscarella had his badge pinned on by his father. The assistant clerk of the city, who also happens to be Muscarella’s mother, read the oaths to each member.

A corporate gift with a firefighter theme would be an appropriate gift for promotions like these.