03/14/2026
So many young kids in the trades think I am way over board with my organization and safety concerns on a daily basis. Things happen in a split second. I have seen someone have knee and leg issues just from a damn screw on the floor in a van. They happened to kneel on it the wrong way and bam. Instant problems for the rest of their life. Something simple like not cleaning up and storing an extension cord properly can cause death if the conditions are right. I want my employees work space, the shop, the van, job site, and everything we are around neat, clean, and organized for more reasons than they can even fathom. It may seem so simple until the problem happens. On top of that it costs more time and money if we are not organized.
It’s so hard with some of the new employees in the trades these days. We can’t even start with learning electrical work. We have to start with playing daddy!!!! I’m teaching kids these days how to be organized and follow directions. The importance of this is far beyond you think. They start as a janitor! If you can’t even sweep a damn floor how am I supposed to to teach you how to do electrical work without killing someone. Or being so neat that a customer doesn’t complain or even worse just have a thought in their head and never say anything but never call back! The customer could just simply be having a bad day and we moved their cologne or perfume and didn’t put it back in the same exact spot. Bam instead of calling us back they try the next guy!
Some people have no idea what it takes to train this new generation! They are learning a career here not a job! 
This is very sad and so close to home!
FROM THE WINY RADIO NEWSROOM: FROM NORWICH POLICE DEPARTMENT: Negligent Homicide Arrest Made Following Fatal Workplace Incident on Hamilton Court
The Norwich Police Department has made an arrest in connection with a fatal workplace incident that occurred on the evening of Friday, June 14, 2025, on Hamilton Court in Norwich.
On June 14, 2025, at approximately 6:16 p.m., emergency crews were dispatched to the area following reports of a trench collapse. Upon arrival, first responders located a trench approximately 90 feet long, 5 feet wide, and 5 feet deep. The trench had been excavated to connect a private residence’s sewer system to the city sewer line. The work was being conducted by a privately owned business.
A worker, identified as Michael Dirocco, 60, of Norwich, was found partially buried in the trench. Rescue crews immediately initiated extrication efforts and began life-saving measures. Mr. Dirocco was transported by ambulance to William W. Backus Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased as a result of injuries sustained in the collapse.
The Norwich Police Department, Norwich Fire Department, Norwich Public Utilities, and the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) responded to the scene and initiated a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Following a lengthy investigation conducted by Norwich Police Detective Heather Meikle, in conjunction with the Department of Labor’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA), probable cause was established to charge the owner of the plumbing company who was present at the job site at the time of the incident.
An arrest warrant was prepared and presented to the New London County State’s Attorney’s Office. The warrant was subsequently approved by the court and issued on March 9, 2026.
At approximately 5:15 p.m. on Friday March 13, 2026, (today) the accused turned himself in at Norwich Police Headquarters, where he was charged in connection with this incident.
The accused was processed then released on the court set $50,000 non-surety bond.
