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Michael Moody has been appointed as the permanent Fire Chief of the Ithaca Fire Department (IFD), following a unanimous decision by the City of Ithaca Common Council on Wednesday (January 7). Moody, who had been serving as the Acting Fire Chief since October 2025, takes over from Rob Covert, who retired last year.
Moody began his firefighting career in April 2006 in Little Falls, New York, and later advanced through the ranks of the Herkimer Fire Department, becoming Fire Chief in 2021. In 2023, he joined IFD as the Deputy Chief of Operations. A graduate of Mohawk Valley Community College, Moody has also served as a New York State Fire Instructor for the past five years, focusing on technical rescue.
Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio expressed confidence in Moody's leadership, stating, "Chief Moody has the experience and dedication to lead the Ithaca Fire Department." Moody himself is committed to supporting the department's mission of protecting life and property, emphasizing the professionalism and dedication of the IFD team.
The Ithaca Fire Department covers a protection district of approximately 33 square miles, serving a population of over 90,000. Its members are trained in various specialized areas, including rope rescue, trench rescue, hazardous material response, and more.