Palmieri Appoints Temporary Fire Chief

Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri has appointed John Kelly to serve as Temporary Chief of the Utica Fire Department.

Kelly has been with the UFD for the past 22 years.

Palmieri says the appointment was made off the Fire Chief's Civil Service list in which Kelly was ranked number one.

The Mayor says he made the decision to appoint a Temporary Chief after conducting an analysis of the operations of the Fire Department, and soliciting the perspectives of UFD union representatives and members of the Common Council.

Palmieri said, “Throughout his career, Chief Kelly has proven to be a strong leader and someone who has always represented the Fire Department and City well.  I am confident he will do a great job in his new role.”

Kelly will assume the role of Temporary Chief effective Monday

He takes over for Chief Russell Brooks, who has been placed on paid administrative leave.