Two departments gain 5 new grads

Five new firefighters graduated Friday after completing their training at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks and will join two local departments.

Firefighters Mike P. Christoff, Adam J. Griffin, Michael D. Podzaline and John H. Wetherell IV will join the Norwich Fire Department.

Firefighter Patrick I. Leonard will join the Poquonnock Bridge Fire Department.

Thirty-five firefighters graduated during Friday's ceremony in Hartford. They will be working at 17 various departments throughout the state. The firefighters completed a 14-week training program, which began in September. They are nationally certified to the level of Firefighter I and Firefighter II as well as being awarded various certificates for specialized training.