Utica Fire Chief Meets With Common Council Members

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Common Council's Public Safety Committee met with Fire Chief Russ Brooks to hear how he plans to deal with the recent reductions to the Fire Department compliment.

In all, 23 members retired and another 12 were cut, leaving the Chief with 150 firefighters to cover the city.

Brooks feels confident his plan would mitigate the need to close fire houses without costing the taxpayers any extra money.

Brooks will be back in front of the Public Safety Committee future to continue the discussion, but as of right now, he feels al six of Utica's fire Stations can remain open.