All members of the Rome Fire Department are trained in ice water rescue, and the chief said they re-train for it every year. The department has several dry suits for the firefighters to wear in the water, and then an ice water rescue sled, which slides out onto the ice and water to reach the person in danger.
The City of Rome now has a new Fire Chief. Mayor Jeff Lanigan and Public Safety Commissioner Ken White announced this week that David L. Gratch will be the next Fire Chief for the city.
After more than 34 years with the department, Rome Fire Chief Thomas M. Iacovissi is hanging up his boots and retiring at the end of February. "I want to spend some time with my family. Simple as I can put it," said Iacovissi, age 59. "It s time to spend some time at home."
The first order of business for the Common Council is to allocate funding to various organizations throughout the city, such as $322,932 to the Jervis Public Library Association, $32,224 to the Rome Art and Community Center and $12,160 to the Capitol Civic Center. These funds were all part of the 2024 budget.
Rome Fire Chief Thomas Iacovissi and Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. are among the local leaders who will team up with the Salvation Army in a fundraising blitz on Friday and Saturday at the Walmart in Rome, according to Salvation Army officials.