Interim Fire Chief John Kelly has resigned from his leadership position amid allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct that he conducted on fire department property.
Kelly — who has more than 20 years with the department — was appointed interim chief last July to fill in for fire Chief Russell Brooks, who has been on administrative leave. He resigned Friday, the city announced Monday afternoon, but he will remain a member of the department.
“I am requesting the Utica Municipal Civil Service Commission begin the process to make the examination for the next Utica Fire Chief ‘Open Competitive’ so the city can expand its search and find the most qualified candidate,” Mayor Robert Palmieri said in a statement. “I am also exploring the feasibility of appointing a new temporary fire chief during the transition period until a permanent fire chief can be appointed.”