City of Norwich Fire Department

01/04/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Norwich Fire Department recognizes personnel for Life Saving Events following two Sudden Cardiac Arrest Incidents.

On Tuesday March 31,2026 the City of Norwich Fire Department was proud to announce the heroic actions of several firefighters and police officers who successfully saved the lives of two individuals on two separate dates after suffering sudden cardiac arrests.
On Wednesday October 29,2025 at 1:58am, the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to Marconi Ave in the City of Norwich for the report of a 28-year-old male unresponsive. Within 2 minutes the duty crew was on scene. The male patient had gone unresponsive and then into a sudden cardiac arrest. Firefighters immediately initiated CPR, defibrillation, along with continued Advanced Life Support treatment and lifesaving measures.
On Friday February 27,2026 at 5:06pm, the Norwich Fire Department was dispatched to East Main Street in the City of Norwich for the report of a 63-year-old male in cardiac arrest. Within 1 minute the duty crew and a volunteer firefighter arrived on the scene. The male patient was confirmed to be in a cardiac arrest. Firefighters immediately initiated CPR, defibrillation, along with continued Advanced Life Support treatment and lifesaving measures.
Due to the quick actions, tragedies turned into “lives” being “saved”. In which could have ended in unimaginable sorrow. Thanks to these immediate interventions, both patients were successfully resuscitated and transported to the hospital for further care. Both patients are currently recovering/have been released.
"These incidents are powerful testaments to the skill, dedication, and immediate reaction of our firefighters," "Because these firefighters do not hesitate, and strive for victory every time, members of our community have been given a second chance at life. This is precisely what we train for, and I am incredibly proud of their actions."
Honored for lifesaving measures with “Certificate of Commendations” issued by the Fire Chief were Captain William Ballin, Captain Robert Boellmann, Firefighter Daniel Kerila, Firefighter Blake Parry, Firefighter Jon Manwarren, Firefighter Eric Olsen, Firefighter Evan Grainger, Firefighter Tanner Campbell, and Firefighter Jim Fowlston.
Honored with Certificate of Appreciation issued by the Fire Chief for continued support and assistance was City of Norwich Police Department Sergeant Tristan Rifanburg, Patrolmen Torin Lawrence, and Patrolmen Tyler King.

Inter-agency efforts between the Fire and Police Department occur daily, when every second counts to achieve positive outcomes. We appreciate the Police department and personnel.

The City of Norwich Fire Department urges all citizens to learn CPR and AED use, as immediate bystander action is the most critical factor in surviving sudden cardiac arrest.

Respectfully,

Gerald E Parry, Jr.

Fire Chief
City of Norwich Fire Department

30/03/2026

Yesterday both Career and Volunteer firefighters attended a training session on new water rescue equipment along with a refresher on water rescue skills. This was done in a controlled environment at the Norwich Family YMCA pool. This is done before transitioning outside in uncontrolled environments. Water can be very unpredictable and it is important to always remain cautious.

08/03/2026

Congratulations to the Norwich Girls Basketball Team on your section IV Class A Championship win!!!

07/03/2026

01/03/2026

Congratulations to 3x New York State Wrestling Champion Maverick Beckwith. It was an honor to es**rt you into town.

20/02/2026

This evening both Career staff and Volunteers trained on firefighter search and assist skills. These skills are essential in an unfortunate event a firefighter becomes missing or trapped. Members focused on locating and rescuing a downed firefighter. Members regularly train on a wide variety of topics in order to best serve the community in the event of an emergency.

19/02/2026

Yesterday firefighters stopped by the YMCA After School program for a quick lesson on fire safety and some show and tell of their equipment.

15/02/2026

Press Release:

Norwich, NY

This evening, Saturday February 14, 2026 at 5:24 p.m. Norwich firefighters were alerted by the Chenango County Communications Center for an odor of smoke at 125 East Main Street. The duty crew arrived on scene and reported no visible smoke or flames showing. Crews then entered the building to search for source, where they encountered a heavy smoke condition in the third floor hallway and requested a “Box” alarm assignment indicating a working fire. Crews deployed hose lines into the building while simultaneously searching for the source of the fire. Crews located the fire apartment and began fire suppression along with a search for any potential victims. Crews were able to extinguish the main body of fire and determined the apartment was free of occupants at the time of the incident. Additional off duty and volunteer firefighters arrived on scene and assisted with checking for fire extension along with the removal of occupants from adjacent apartments.

The fire was extinguished in approximately 10 minutes with crews remaining on scene for approximately 30 minutes to assist with salvage and overhaul and fire investigation. The fire was confined to one apartment. The fire apartment suffered smoke, water, and heat damage. Other apartments suffered minor water damage.

The fire is still under investigation and appears to have started in the kitchen area.