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Norwich appoints Samuel C. Wilson III as new fire chief
Summary
City officials held a pinning and oath ceremony to install Samuel C. Wilson III as Norwich’s new fire chief. Wilson, a paramedic and long-time firefighter with more than two decades of experience, pledged to prioritize firefighter safety, training and community outreach.
Samuel C. Wilson III was sworn in and pinned as the new fire chief of the City of Norwich at a public ceremony in City Hall.
City Manager John Salomon introduced Wilson and read a summary of his career, calling him “a seasoned fire service professional with over 24 years of extensive experience.” Wilson then took the oath of office administered by City Clerk Roseanne Muscarella and addressed the crowd.
Wilson said he was “humbled and excited for this opportunity to serve our community” and pledged support for department personnel: “I promise you, as your fire chief, I'll work tirelessly to ensure you have the resources, training, and support you need to do your job safely and effectively.” He also said he would prioritize community outreach and prevention alongside emergency response.
John Salomon told attendees the city was fortunate to attract Wilson’s candidacy and highlighted his experience leading operations and personnel at the Wallingford Fire Department. Salomon said Wilson has a record of advancing through operational ranks and “providing pivotal leadership and stability navigating the department through critical operations and establishing clear goals and objectives.”
Wilson’s biography, read at the ceremony by the city manager, lists a career beginning in February 2007 and roles including deputy chief of operations and personnel for the Wallingford Fire Department, second in command, special operations chief, and leader of the North Division of the New Haven Special Hazards Team. Earlier in his career he served with Fairfax County Fire Rescue and worked as an operational coordinator at Hunter's Ambulance Service and as a paramedic with New Britain EMS.
The new chief holds a Master of Public Administration with a specialization in personnel and labor relations and a Bachelor of Science in justice and law administration from Western Connecticut State University. His listed credentials include Connecticut licensed paramedic, NCPFP (National Fire Protection?) fire officer certification at the Fire Officer III level as stated in the transcript, state certification of fire marshal, credentialing as a chief fire officer and chief EMS officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and recent acceptance into the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer program.
The pinning of the chief’s badge was performed by a family member; Wilson specifically recognized his wife Heather and his children and thanked retired and current chiefs and members of the Wallingford Fire Department for mentorship and support. Retired Chief Setnor, Deputy Chief Shaw, Battalion Chief Haggerty and a contingent of volunteer fire chiefs were listed among those in attendance. City Clerk Roseanne Muscarella administered the oath. Organizers invited attendees to a light reception after the ceremony.
The ceremony emphasized continuity of leadership, training, and a stated commitment to firefighter safety and community outreach. No formal council vote or other board action was recorded in the transcript of the ceremony.
