Norwich Firefighters Local 892

06/17/2026

Congratulations to our President Michael Podzaline on being elected as a Trustee with the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Mike became our vice president in 2019 under President Nate Kannas. Mike then became our president in April of 2021 after Kannas's retirement.

We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication while serving our local.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MIKE PODZALINE

Congratulations to Mike Podzaline of Norwich Firefighters Local 892 who was elected yesterday by the delegates in attendance to serve as Trustee.

06/14/2026

After clearing a fire alarm at American Systems this week, the staff asked if the truck company could help put the American Flag back on the flag pole. This worked out to be a good training exercise for Firefighter Ryan Douchette who is working on getting qualified on Truck 1.

06/13/2026

Engine 3, Truck 1 and the Battalion were honored to take part in the Village Walk and Water Day yesterday at the Wequonnoc School. The following was shared from teachers at the school.

Our Annual Village Walk is a cherished Wequonnoc tradition that brings our school community together to celebrate the end of another wonderful school year and welcome the beginning of summer! Students and staff will take a walk through the village of Taftville, spreading smiles and school spirit throughout the community.

A special part of this tradition is the leadership shown by our fifth-grade students. As they prepare to leave Wequonnoc and begin their journey to middle school, our fifth graders proudly lead the walk, symbolizing their growth, leadership, and readiness for the next chapter. Their role at the front of the procession reflects the example they have set for younger students throughout their years at Wequonnoc.

Along the route, students will enjoy bubbles, cheerful decorations, and fun signs featuring messages such as “Happy Summer!” and “Have a Great Summer!” This special event is an opportunity to celebrate a year of learning, honor our fifth graders, and come together as a school community before heading into summer vacation.

Water Day is an annual event held for students after having a great year of learning and fun! It’s a way to spend some quality time together before they move on to the next grade. The fire department has been coming to spray the kids for the last few years. It’s always the kids favorite part!

06/12/2026

At 10:51 this morning the East Great Plain Fire Department with Norwich’s Squad A was dispatched to 109 Salem Turnpike for a car accident with entrapment. Norwich Police arrived reporting 3 people injured with one of them trapped.

Squad A arrived at 10:57 with a 3 car accident and started patient care & stabilization. Following that, they popped the driver’s door of the truck to remove the operator.

Rescue 5 performed patient care on two parties in a separate vehicle. Service 5 assisted the police department with traffic control. Car 10 had command.

06/10/2026

At 2:07 this morning the East Great Plain Fire Department with Norwich’s Squad A, American Ambulance and Norwich Police were dispatched to Salem Turnpike near the Interstate 395 Northbound on ramp for a car into the water. Squad A arrived to find a car into the drainage pond which was still occupied.

Squad step donned a Mustang Suit and entered the water. He opened the hatchback and assisted the operator out of the car in about 3 feet of water. The driver was evaluated and signed a refusal with American Ambulance. Rescue 5 set up scene lighting and held the scene awaiting the wrecker.

06/09/2026

Congratulations to Our New Swift Water Rescue Technicians!

Capt. Kyle Seitz, FF. Kyle Markey, FF. Jensen Martin & FF. Max Kuczorski, recently completed a demanding 32-hour Swift Water Rescue Technician course through Water Training Resources.

The four-day program included classroom instruction and four days of hands-on river training, covering river hydrology, scene management, risk assessment, swiftwater swimming, self-rescue techniques, throw bag rescues, technical rope systems, boat-based operations, car in the water rescues, and medical considerations associated with water emergencies.

All members have successfully earned certifications meeting NFPA 1006, NFPA 2500, and FEMA NIMS Position 509 standards.

06/08/2026

Rescheduled for late summer - date to be announced. Stay tuned.

Come have a great time at our Third annual “Tip A Firefighter event” to help us raise funds that go to the local community! This money goes to in their non profit fund to help us donate to things we can’t ethically. We appreciate everyone’s continued support to our local community! Follow us for future events!

06/07/2026

Our friend Molly held her sixth lemonade stand fundraiser on Maple Grove Avenue today. Through the years, she has donated thousands of dollars to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

We will miss her and her family when they move to Texas.

06/06/2026

At 5:15 pm on Friday, 6/5/26 Engine 1, Truck 1, Squad A and Battalion 1 were dispatched to 155 Case Street for a 500 gallon propane tank leaking. Engine 1 was met by the homeowner in the driveway who said they smelled propane coming from the tank. Engine 1 metered the area and detected an odor as well as saw vapors coming from the relief valve on top of the old tank.

The surrounding area was isolated and metered. Squad A metered the residence and bravo exposure. A Level 1 CERRIT response was initiated with hazmat technicians from Mohegan Tribe, Mashantucket, Sub Base, UConn and DEEP. After discussing a plan, DEEP's Flare kit was set up in the backyard.

Engine 1 stretched a hose line as a precaution while the propane was burned off. East Great Plain ET 51 stood by on scene in case additional water would be needed.

06/03/2026

At 8:45 this morning the Bozrah Fire Department was dispatched to 226 Wawecus Hill Road for a large chemical spraying tractor on fire. Their fire marshal arrived and requested Norwich’s Engines 1 & 3 as well as tankers from East Great Plain, Gardner Lake, Salem, Colchester, Lebanon and Lisbon.

Engine 1 assisted Bozrah’s Engine 126 with operating hose lines while Engine 3 established a tanker fill site at the intersection of Browning Road and Hickory Lane. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was contacted due to a large amount of diesel fuel and chemicals that were involved with the fire. The Bozrah Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating.