On June 16 the Norwich Common Council held their first in person meeting since the beginning of the pandemic. (Screenshot from City of Norwich)

NORWICH – At Tuesday night’s City of Norwich Common Council meeting, President of the Norwich Firefighter Association William Ballin addressed the council to request clarification over firefighter benefits.

"Tonight I'm here to address the council over some issues we've been unable to resolve regarding some firefighters’ benefits due to some injuries," said Ballin.

Ballin stated that he had a few discussions on the topic with the mayor and talked with Alderman Brian Doliver. After realizing that the council was unaware of the issue, he decided to address them all during the council’s public forum, Ballin explained.

"The union is looking for direction based on some answers we received from the human resources director pertaining to job duties and what's covered. We had a member that was injured in training. He essentially was denied his injury benefits stating it was not in the performance of his duties," said Ballin.

Firefighters are required to annually complete 100 hours of in-service training and also required to go to fire academy and become certified before working.