NORWICH – Longtime firefighter Tracy Chawgo has been named the City of Norwich’s new fire chief. Chawgo’s appointment came after a lengthy executive session discussion held after Wednesday night’s special meeting of the City of Norwich Common Council.

Chawgo, a resident of the City of Norwich, has been working at the department since October of 1997. He was hired as an emergency services coordinator, and made the transition to a firefighter position in February of 1998. Before that time, Chawgo worked as the director of communications for Superior Ambulance and Kunkel Ambulance in Utica. He also spent time working for Gray’s Ambulance. Chawgo began his career as a medical specialist in the U.S. Army.

Since 2006, Police Chief Joseph Angelino has been the acting fire chief; however his appointment was originally only intended to last for six months following the resignation of former Chief John Tighe.

City of Norwich Human Resources Director Deborah DeForest said Chawgo will officially be sworn in on Monday, April 14, and will be taking over the position beginning on April 21. “We’ve scheduled a two week transitional period,” DeForest said explaining that Angelino would be helping Chawgo get accustomed to the position. The transitional period will end on May 3.