NORWICH – The North Norwich Fire Department will be celebrating its 55th anniversary at the 85th annual Firefighters Convention Friday evening with a memorial service and banquet at the station. Officials anticipate more than 166 fire personnel from throughout Chenango County to attend. Then on Saturday, the department will be on hand at the Chenango County Public Safety Awareness Day.

The memorial service, beginning at 6 p.m., honors those who have died from within the county's 22 departments over the past year. The firefighter of the year will be honored at the dinner. The convention begins at 7 p.m.

This year’s public safety event will include a number of demonstrations and competitions. Public Safety Awareness Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at Galena Park, a block north of the fire station.

“It’s a good way to give back to the community, we are always working in times of tragedy, this weekend is a chance to let go a little and have some fun,” said Chenango County Fire Coordinator Matt Beckwith