NORWICH – According to Assemblyman Cliff Crouch, some of the rules and regulations imposed on rural fire departments are making it impossible for them to operate at an effective level.

On Monday, Crouch visited the Norwich Fire Department and discussed some of the issues rural departments face.

“Because of training requirements, a lot of smaller departments are no longer able to offer basic service. We need to look at if they can have lesser requirements and still offer basic services,” Crouch said. The assemblyman explained that a task force was being formed that would be made up of a broad range of people who know the field, to look at the regulations imposed on rural districts.

Mayor Joseph Maiurano, Fire Chief Joseph Angelino and Fire Captain Jeff Steward were on hand. Angelino showed Crouch the oldest truck in the fleet, a 1978 Mack. Angelino showed Crouch that while the engine is in good condition, the truck is rusting off its frame. Crouch was then shown the newest truck to the department, a truck which he helped equip.