Members of Norton Fire Department Awarded for Service

Fire chief Richard Gomes and selectmen's chairman Robert Kimball presented eight awards at Thursday's selectmen's meeting, honoring those who have achieved 20 years of service or more in the department. The awards are given out every four or five years, said Gomes, and are designated by the state Fire Service Commission.

This year's recipients were call firefighter and selectman Robert Salvo and captain Albert Briand for over 20 years on the force, call captain Edward W. Murray for 35 years, deputy chief Paul J. Schleicher for 35 years, firefighter John F. Morrissey for 40 years and fire chief Richard Gomes himself for over 40 years as a career firefighter.

Also presented with the honor were department Secretary Judith A. McCarron for 28 years' service and department photographer Ronald Benaski.

The party continued after the close of the regular meeting with a department favorite - coffee and doughnuts.