ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Relief is coming to the Ithaca Fire Department.

Five recruits recently graduated from a training program at the New York State Fire Academy. The program lasted 15 weeks.

According to Ithaca City Manager Deb Mohlenhoff, the goal is to have the recruits transition to taking shifts in January. She adds the recruits will help cut overtime costs due to short staffing.

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