NORWICH – The Norwich Common Council held its 2015 annual organizational meeting at the council chambers on Monday, getting a new year off to a start with a number of board and commission appointments, and the swearing in of the city’s new police chief, Rodney Marsh.
Marsh, who previously the Deputy Chief for the Norwich City Police Department since 2007, steps into his new role following the retirement of law enforcement veteran Joseph Angelino, who served a total 18 hears heading the department.
“I have a lot to learn still, but I’m grateful to have learned a lot from Chief Angelino in the 21 years that I have been (with the department),” said Marsh. “I think we have a good, professionally trained department and I just want to continue that.”
Marsh was appointed the position when Angelino made his retirement announcement official in November. His duties will include oversight of all department functions, including the regular duties of officers as well as specialized assignments and duties such as honor guard, bicycle patrols, emergency response team, and the K-9 unit.
Despite new demands for Marsh, Norwich Mayor Joseph Maiurano said it may be an easier adjustment than expected.
“We have some very professional people serving in the police department and the department has always been run very skillfully,” said Maiurano. “I think this transition is probably one of the easiest transitions, even though being a police chief is quite an extensive job. What makes it an easy transition is the well run department that Joe Angelino looked after for many years.”
Maiurano added, “We are truely blessed with our police department and truely blessed to have Rodney Marsh as our new police chief.”
Monday’s meeting continued with business as usual. A total 26 appointment were made by the mayor and the Common Council, filling positions on the city’s eight different boards and committees.
The Common Council will hold its first regular meeting of the year on Jan. 20.