NORWICH – In the public works and public safety meeting immediately following the Common Council session on Thursday night, Chief Joseph Angelino gave his report on the four standard fire trucks operating in the Norwich Fire Department. “In the next year, we will need to replace two engines,” Angelino said.

Angelino, pulling double duty as police and fire chief after the July retirement of Chief John Tighe, discussed each of the four trucks in detail, explaining to the public works committee the problems with each. The first truck, number 231, is a 1981 model. According to Angelino, the truck is currently unable to pump water, but it can be repaired. The cost to fix the truck would be between $9,300 and $9,800. “It would be a good investment to repair this truck,” Angelino said.

The second truck, number 232, was purchased new in 1987. It is currently in use, but it has a cracked head in the engine. Angelino said the crack is sealed, so the truck will run; however this truck also failed the pump test. “The truck can’t maintain the high idle necessary to pump water,” Angelino told the committee.