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First Somers FD Fire Chief Hired Under Charter Revision
Somers
By Linda Tishler Levinson
SOMERS -- The town has a new fire chief. The Board of Selectmen voted in December to hire John Roache, who had been the deputy chief of the Manchester Fire Department’s 8th Utilities District and fire marshal for the Andover Fire Department, as well as a commander with the Tolland County Dive Team, First Selectman Lisa Pellegrini said. He started in the $80,000-a-year position Jan. 1. In addition to serving fire departments, Roache has been a director and certified project manager managing
a large portfolio of public-safety related geographic information system initiatives. He has a master’s degree in information systems and is certified by the state as a fire marshal, fire officer III, fire service instructor III and emergency medical technician. Roache is the town’s first fire chief hired under a charter revision, which changed the way chiefs are chosen. In November, residents voted to approve a charter change making the chief’s position one appointed by the selectmen, as other town department heads are. The charter revision changed the position from a
volunteer to a paid fire chief for the town, which became necessary with no volunteer stepping forward to take the position when former Fire Chief Gary Schiessl’s term was set to end. The previous charter had called for the Somers Volunteer Fire Department Association to vote for its own chief. “We also would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief Gary Schiessl for his outstanding service and leadership as the town’s fire chief for the last several years,” Pellgrini said.
Republicans Seek Volunteers for Town Boards
SOMERS - Citizen participation is an essential element of our local government. It is through the active involvement of town residents that Somers meets its needs and requirements to provide good public services. Every two years, the two political town committees elect members that participate in this process. The Somers Republicans invite individuals who live in town, are registered as a Republican,
and are interested in becoming more involved in our community by voluntarily serving on a town commission, board, or as a member or supporter of the Somers Republican Town Committee. Contact the Republican Town Committee Membership Chairman, David Drinan, expressing your interest. Drinan can be reached by email to misterdux@cox.net or by telephone, 860-749-8811.
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Somers Co-Ed Softball Champs
The Michael Roy and Son Contracting Highlighters won the Somers Co-ed Fall Softball Championship. They won a tripleheader for their second championship in five years. Pictured: Mike Roy, Chris Meier, Evan Belisle, Brie Nyquist, Chris Boucher – Team Mascot, Justin Richards, Marty Piscatano, Mel Zamorski, Ed Palomba, Tara Sheehan, Eddie Palomba, Meredith, Alex, and Lenny Mason.
SOMERS VETERINARY HOSPITAL Nancy Karol Hensen, DVM Cats Dogs Birds Exotics Medical, Surgical & Dental Services Emergency Service Evening & Saturday Hours Office Hours By Appointment 63 South Road • Somers • 860-763-1000 Visit our website somersveterinaryhospital.com AAHA Accredited
January 2016 North Central News
Complete veterinary services for all phases of your pet’s life.
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