NORWICH — After 36 years in law enforcement, Norwich Police Chief Joseph G. Angelino has announced his plan to retire Dec. 31, 2014.

Angelino has led the city’s police force since September of 1996, replacing former chief Robert Mason.

Angelino will close his career with 18 years as Norwich’s Chief of Police.

“Joseph Angelino is a true professional who has freely given his life to public service and the mentoring of scores of police officers,” said Walter Schermerhorn, President of the City of Norwich Common Council. “It has been a privilege to work with him. He has been an asset to the city and the community.”

Angelino was a 1978 graduate of the Norwich High School, and in January of 1979 he was appointed as a deputy sheriff by Joseph J. Benenati, Jr., the Chenango County Sheriff at the time. Angelino was 18 years old.

In May of 1981, Angelino was appointed to the Norwich Police as an officer during the term of former Mayor Frederick B. Mirabito and Norwich Police Chief Richard Decker.

Four years later, Angelino took a leave of absence from the police department to enlist in the United States Marine Corps. He remained either active or as a reservist until he retired from the Marine Corps in 2008.

In November 1990, Angelino was activated as a Tank Commander and was sent to Saudi Arabia for the Persian Gulf War.