Fire Chief Russell E. Brooks

Russell E. Brooks was appointed to the Utica Fire Department on September 4, 1975. He rose through the ranks serving as Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief, Assistant Chief, and was appointed to the rank of Fire Chief in 2004. He held that position until his retirement in 2018, a career that spanned 43 years.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the passing of Chief Brooks. The administration’s thoughts and prayers are with his family, as well as the members of the Utica Bureau of Fire.  I’m confident in saying that the countless community members that have worked with him throughout his career and personal life will are also with us in these statements,” stated Mayor Galime.

Chief Brooks dedicated his career to the residents of Utica, and put his life into making the Utica Fire Department the best in the country. For that we will forever be indebted to him, as his legacy will live on in the namesake of recent dedication of the Central Fire Station. 

Chief Ingersoll stated, “Chief Brooks had a larger than life personality, and guided us through innovation, modernization and insuring the future of our department, especially with credit to the fire academy and ambulance service.”