NORWICH — After 36 years in law enforcement, Norwich Police Chief Joseph G. Angelino has announced his plan to retire Dec. 31, 2014.
Angelino has led the city’s police force since September of 1996, replacing former chief Robert Mason.
Angelino will close his career with 18 years as Norwich’s Chief of Police.
“Joseph Angelino is a true professional who has freely given his life to public service and the mentoring of scores of police officers,” said Walter Schermerhorn, President of the City of Norwich Common Council. “It has been a privilege to work with him. He has been an asset to the city and the community.”
Angelino was a 1978 graduate of the Norwich High School, and in January of 1979 he was appointed as a deputy sheriff by Joseph J. Benenati, Jr., the Chenango County Sheriff at the time. Angelino was 18 years old.
In May of 1981, Angelino was appointed to the Norwich Police as an officer during the term of former Mayor Frederick B. Mirabito and Norwich Police Chief Richard Decker.
Four years later, Angelino took a leave of absence from the police department to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He remained either active or as a reservist until he retired from the Marine Corps in 2008.
In November 1990, Angelino was activated as a Tank Commander and was sent to Saudi Arabia for the Persian Gulf War.
Angelino returned and continued his career in law enforcement, earning a promotion to Sergeant in the Norwich Police by Chief Robert Mason in January 1994.
Later in 1994, Angelino was again activated as a Marine to participate in the invasion of Haiti.
Two years later, Angelino was selected as the Chief of Police by the Norwich City Council and former Mayor Joseph Biviano, a position he will hold until the last day of this year.
“Joe (Angelino) has meant so much to this city,” said Richard Snyder, president of Snyder Communications. “Besides his commitment to protect us as a member of the military and our police chief, he has also been so important in promoting the city itself. Whether it’s the Festival of Lights Parade, Gus Macker, Colorscape, The Blues Festival, or at any event that promotes the enjoyment of living here in Norwich, you will find Chief Angelino.”
Additionally, Angelino has studied Police Science and received a two year certificate. In 1984, as the Police Benevolent Association Union President, he successfully was able to negotiate a 20-year retirement plan for NPD officers, as compared to the previous 25-year retirement plan.
Angelino completed Motor Vehicle Crash Investigations and Reconstruction school in 1991, and in 1992 he became a police instructor where he taught police officers across the state in police academies specializing in Alcohol Beverage Control laws, arrest and detention of juveniles, and various other police topics.
In 1999, directed by former Mayor Robert Raphael and City Engineer Asa Allison, Angelino was involved in the development and design plans for the construction of a police headquarters. In 2000, the NPD moved from 31 East Main St. to 18 East Main St. in downtown Norwich.
Three years later — in February 2003 — Angelino was activated by President George Bush for the invasion of Iraq as a Marine Corps First Sergeant. He participated in the Battle of Nasiriyah, Iraq, assisting in the re-establishment of government in Iraq, specifically police departments in the cities of Nasiriyah and Al-Batra.
In June 2005, Angelino again was activated for duty in Iraq as an inspector, instructor and trainer for the Iraqi Army.
During this tour of duty, Angelino received two Purple Heart Medals.
Upon his return from duty in Iraq, Angelino was appointed by the Norwich City Council and Mayor Joseph Maiurano as Fire Chief, to replace Norwich Fire Department Chief John Tighe who retired.
Angelino carried out the duties of police chief and fire chief concurrently.
“As our chief he was professional,” said Captain Greg Franklin with the Norwich Fire Department. “Even though Joe was the police chief he had a strong interest in the fire service. He was eager to assist us in any way, while at the same time he knew when to stand back and let us do our job.”
The dual duties for Angelino continued for two years.
“He (Angelino) became very involved in he duties of Fire Chief and managed both the career and volunteer departments very well,” said Franklin. “It was personal to Joe to balance the budget which he managed to do, and at the same time he also managed to purchase major — and much needed — equipment, buying both a tanker and a fire engine that continue to serve the Norwich Fire Department well today. I appreciate all Joe Angelino has done for our department.”
Angelino retired from the USMC in August 2008 at the rank of Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank. His final duty was overseeing the training and discipline of 400 Marines in an Air Wing Squadron.
Every current NPD officer — with the exception of Deputy Chief Rodney Marsh — was hired during Angelino’s tenure.
“I’m happy for him (Angelino),” said Sergeant Gard Turner. “It’s a great achievement in your career.”
Sgt. Turner said he and Assistant Chief of Police Scott Burlison were two of the first officers hired by Angelino once he was selected as chief.
“He’s a good leader,” said Turner. “He’s very disciplined and regimented. I wish him all the best in his retirement, it’s a special milestone to reach.”
Angelino has worked under seven mayors, countless aldermen, five police chiefs, and scores of NPD officers throughout his almost four decade career.
“As a new alderman, I had a million questions and Chief Angelino always found time to answer my emails and phone calls. I have always felt welcome and I am truly sorry to lose him,” said Brian Doliver, Ward 2 Alderman.
“I am glad though, that he has put the police department in the right direction,” said Doliver. “He is of a dying breed, where service above self is the norm and not the exception. I congratulate Chief Angelino on his retirement and wish him well.”
“I have had the privilege of working with the chief as a member of the Board of Directors of the Northeast Classic Car Museum and I’m equally impressed by his organizational skills, work ethic, and just plain common sense,” said Snyder. “I will miss him as our police chief, but knowing that he will still be a strong contributing member of our community gives me comfort.”
Norwich’s Mayor Joseph Maiurano said, “Chief Angelino personally wrote both New York State and Federal grants that returned thousands of dollars of tax payer money to the community to further the city’s police mission for a safe community.”
Maiurano added that a 2009 grant of nearly $400,000 in federal funding created a full-time narcotics investigator position and acquired associated equipment. “Another NYS grant in 2013 of $130,000 is helping pay for an additional police officer,” Maiurano said.
Norwich’s Mayor additionally commended Angelino for the K9 units in the NPD, so that the city has the “best possible coverage on both shifts.”
“Chief Angelino was always there when needed, working tirelessly through the floods of 2005 through 2011, and when I needed him to take over the extra duty of Fire Chief in 2008, he accepted and achieved many accomplishments,” said Maiurano. “He was also my right-hand man, with a vast knowledge and love of the city. Many community development projects were the result of our many discussions.”
Said Maiurano, “Chief Angelino is a person who does more for others than he does for himself. He set a high standard that is an example an inspiration for those who follow. I wish him all the happiness that comes with a well-deserved retirement.”
Chief Angelino has no firm plans after his retirement except to spend more time with his wife, Kendall Saber.
“Kendall has been with me for most of my career since I was a Patrolman and has endured quite a bit of police work herself,” said Angelino.