Norwich — Norwich Fire Chief Tracy Montoya will be away from his local post for about the next nine months as he is deployed on active duty overseas with his Newport, R.I., Naval Reserve unit, City Manager John Salomone said Thursday.

Montoya was named Norwich chief in January. During his 33-year Navy career, he rose from an active-duty enlisted member to chief petty officer and commissioned ensign. He transitioned to the Naval Reserves in October 2002 and currently is a lieutenant commander at the Naval Reserve station in Newport, R.I.

Salomone said during Montoya’s absence, Battalion Chief Keith Wucik will serve as acting fire chief.

— Claire Bessette