HARWICH – Harwich Fire Chief Norman Clarke received a surprise honor at Monday night’s Board of Selectmen’s meeting for his 40 years of service to the town.
Harwich Deputy Fire Chief David LeBlanc made the presentation to Clarke.
Members of the chief’s family and his colleagues from the fire department and fire chiefs from surrounding towns were on hand.
Clarke has been the fire chief in Harwich since 2011, when he replaced William Flynn.
Clarke was first hired in Harwich in 1977 with three other firefighters as the work schedule changed from 56 to 42 hours a week.
Clarke worked as a paramedic, was involved with many special projects such as apparatus specifications and the construction of the firehouse on Sisson Road.
He was promoted to Captain in 1993, Deputy in 2007 and Chief in 2011. His dedication and commitment to both the Department and the community is well known and respected.
Clarke is also the senior employee of the Town of Harwich.
Deputy LeBlanc said, “in the fire service, the senior man is respected and the ‘goto’ person to get things done. Chief Clarke certainly represents that for both the Department and the town.”
Story and photos by Craig Chadwick/CWN