At 3 pm on Thursday, 5/26/2022 the Norwich Fire Department held a badge pinning and promotional ceremony. Chief Montoya welcomed the crowd into City Hall and talked about the fire service. Norwich hired two new probationary firefighters that graduated from the Connecticut Fire Academy on Wednesday.

Ethan Gagnon started as a volunteer in Franklin and then worked in Naugatuck and Montville before landing his career in Norwich. He had his badge pinned by his fiancé Haley. Jed Soberal comes to us after serving in the United States Marine Corps and had his badge pinned by his wife Michelle. Jed was the platoon leader for Recruit Class 69 and Ethan was a squad leader. Ethan will be assigned to Platoon 1 and Jed will be on Platoon 3.

After the new members were sworn in, Chief Montoya had the privilege of promoting three members of the Norwich Fire Department. Firefighter Michael Podzaline is a 13 year member and was promoted to lieutenant on Platoon 2. Lieutenant Podzaline had his badge pinned by his wife Erin. Lieutenant Christopher Zaugg is a 15 year veteran and was promoted to Captain riding Squad A on Platoon 4. Captain Zaugg had his badge pinned by his wife Ashley while their daughter Harper and son Logan watched. Captain Michael Dziavit, a 20 year veteran was promoted to the rank of battalion chief and will be the shift commander on 2 shift. Chief Dziavit had his badge pinned by his wife Killeen as well as their son Clark and daughter Alice.

Congratulations to these members and good luck in your new roles.