Norwich Police Department Detective Sergeant Reuben Roach and Officer Scott Laughlin attached and raised the Irish flag during the Saint Patrick’s Day ceremony. (Photos by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — On Thursday, March 17, Saint Patrick’s Day, Norwich residents gathered in East Park to watch members of the City of Norwich Police Department raise the Irish flag in honor of the holiday, and the city’s Irish heritage.

The ceremony is a long-standing tradition for the city, but hasn’t occurred for the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and was held sporadically for several years prior due to inclement weather. Thankfully, Norwich residents had the luck of the Irish Thursday as temperatures passed 50 degrees just in time for the ceremony.

Irish music played across the park as City Supervisor Jim McNeil handed out green necklaces and small Irish flags, and dozens of area residents attended, including students from Norwich schools and several local officials.

“So this is a tradition that our good friend Judge Howie Sullivan started for us several years ago. He’s out there today in the crowd, and he passed the torch to me quite a number of years ago and I’m happy to continue the tradition,” said Chenango County Court Judge and Master of Ceremonies Frank Revoir, Jr. “Part of this tradition is that each and every year that we’ve raised the flag, the Norwich City Police Department has graciously agreed to participate, and placed the Irish flag for us. And as always, they are here today to assist us in this momentous occasion.”

NPD Detective Sergeant Reuben Roach and Officer Scott Laughlin attached and hoisted the Irish flag on the East Park flagpole while music played and onlookers cheered.

“Thank you all for coming out and participating, thank you Norwich Police Department, and thank you Howard Sullivan for starting this tradition,” said Revoir. “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day.”