Schleicher Sworn in as Fire Chief

was a full house Thursday, Oct. 6 as Norton Fire Chief Paul Schleicher was sworn in by Town Clerk Danielle Sicard.

 “I want to thank the Town Manager and the Board of Selectmen and the department for awarding me this position,” Schleicher said. “I certainly will not let you down.”

 In Schleicher’s new position, he will be looking for a deputy chief to help with responsibilities. Another goal of his is to bring more technology to the fire department and keep an open line of communication open with town residents. Ever since his first official day as fire chief when Tropical Storm Irene came to town, Schleicher has embraced social media as a way of doing so.

 After thanking his friends, family and town officials for their support, Schleicher also took the time to address his colleagues.

 “I’m so very proud to be your fire chief,” he said. “You are the most talented and professional group of firefighters, and this department is second to none.”

 State Representatives Steven Howitt, Betty Poirier and Jay Barrows were in attendance, and all three spoke on behalf of Schleicher’s capability in his new position.

 “The best thing about it is Chief Schleicher has been here all along. And he was mentored by someone else who was here around all along,” Poirier said, referring to former Fire Chief George Burgess. “He knows the town and he knows the people. Things come full circle. And it’s wonderful to have one of your own come to this position. It’s very special. He knows all of you, and I know he loves the Town of Norton.”