Norwich fire captains promoted to new battalion chief positions

By GREG SMITH
Norwich Bulletin
Thursday, July 12, 2007

NORWICH -- Wednesday's promotion ceremony at the Norwich Fire Department was part of a larger vision for the future of the department, according Chief Kenneth Scandariato.

The department's four captains were promoted to the newly created rank of battalion chief -- a role with increased responsibility to provide better coordination and overall safety for firefighters.

"I believe we now have the best possible command structure for the safety of our members and the protection of our citizens," Scandariato said. "They have been tested under fire and respected as leaders."

Former Capts. James Kurasz, Paul Schroder, Bradley Keltonic and Tracy Montoya were sworn in by Assistant City Clerk Sandra Greenhalgh at the Norwich Fire Department headquarters. New gold badges were pinned on by family members to roaring applause from fellow firefighters, friends and family.

"I'm real proud of the fact I've made it to this point," said Kurasz, joined by members of his family, including his father, Albert Kurasz, a former Norwich Fire Department captain who retired in 1982.

The promotions come in the wake of the dissolution of the deputy chief position and opens the door for four of the existing eight lieutenants to be promoted to captain.

"It is such a step forward for the Norwich Fire Department," Montoya said.

Each of the battalion chiefs is trained as on-scene commanders, now driving separately to calls and acting in a capacity to direct the action, a role previously reserved for the chief or deputy chief. As captains, the new battalion chiefs commanded platoons, but rode with firefighters and often joined the fray when the need arose. It was a flawed system, Scandariato said.

"To get an outside picture, you need eyes on the outside of the building," Schroder said. "Especially if something's going bad. It provides safer working conditions. You're not running in and out of the building with a hose line."

Eventually, each of the new battalion chiefs will be trained as fire marshals with the ability to start investigations. Scandariato said the department will have a full-time training safety marshal.

Reach Greg Smith at 425-4219 or gasmith@norwichbulletin.com

Copyright ©2007 Norwich Bulletin
All rights reserved.

Originally published July 12, 2007

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John Shishmanian/Norwich Bulletin

Norwich Battalion Chiefs, from left, Tracy Montoya, Bradley Keltonic, Paul Schroder and James Kurasz are sworn in Wednesday by Assistant City Clerk Sandra Greenhalgh.

AT A GLANCE
New City of Norwich Fire Department Battalion Chiefs:

Bradley Keltonic, 49, a 24-year veteran of the department, lives in Norwich with his wife, Jane, and children, Julie and Ryan.

James Kurasz, 45, a 21-year veteran of the department, lives in Norwich with his wife, Jeanne, and children, Andy and Chelsea.

Tracy Montoya, 43, a 16-year veteran of the department, lives in Waterford with his wife, Annette, children Adam, Bryn and Christian and foster child Mike.

Paul Schroder, 47, a 21-year veteran of the department, lives in Norwich with his wife, Janet.