ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) — Michael Moody’s tenure as temporary fire chief in Ithaca is now more permanent.

The Common Council voted Wednesday, Jan. 7 to appoint Moody as the city’s fire chief. He was appointed interim leader in Nov. 2005 following the departure of former chief Rob Covert.

 “I am excited to step into the role as Fire Chief of the City of Ithaca. Our firefighters are a highly skilled and dedicated team of professionals, and my role is to support their mission of protecting life and property,” Moody said. “Together, we will continue building a progressive department that serves our community with the highest level of professionalism and care.”

Moody’s career as a firefighter began in 2006 in Little Falls, NY. In 2023, Moody came to Ithaca Fire Department as deputy chief of operations.

“Chief Moody has the experience and dedication to lead the Ithaca Fire Department. IFD has a history of stable leadership, and I am grateful that Chief Moody is stepping into this role,” Acting City Manager Dominick Recckio said. “I thank him for his service as Acting Chief over the past several months. In this role, I know he will continue his commitment to our firefighters and provide the best service to the community.”

Moody’s appointment at the Common Council’s first meeting of 2026 was unanimous.