The City of Ithaca has a new fire chief—at least for now.
Deputy Chief Michael Moody has been named Acting Chief of the Ithaca Fire Department following the retirement of Rob Covert, who is stepping into a statewide leadership role. Covert has been appointed Deputy State Fire Administrator with the New York State Fire Commission.
Covert recently wrapped up a notable tenure that included overseeing the construction and opening of Ithaca’s new all-electric East Hill Fire Station—a major investment in both safety and sustainability.
“Chief Covert’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our fire services and ensuring the safety of our community,” said City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff. “We extend our deepest gratitude for his years of dedicated service.”
Moody, a nearly 20-year veteran of the department, is known for his steady leadership and deep roots in the community. “I’m excited to step into the role,” he said. “Our firefighters are a highly skilled and dedicated team of professionals… we will continue building a progressive department that serves our community with the highest level of professionalism and care.”
The Ithaca Fire Department responds to more than 5,200 calls annually and serves both the city and nearby areas.
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