Rome City Fire Department to see new Fire Chief

Published on February 25, 2026

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ROME- The City Fire Department is lined up to have a new fire chief.

After 36-years of service, Chief David Gratch is soon to retire and Deputy Chief Michael J. Reilly is expected to take over, according to some of the latest updates from WKTV.

Reilly is expected to officially become the new Chief come April 3 and will be tasked with overseeing 78 total firefighters.

A special ceremony for the transition of leadership will be observed at City Hall.

Gratch told reporters that he will miss the fire department.

Meanwhile thanks to a series of various promotions, there will be five positions up for grabs in Rome Fire Department. Reilly says he expects to re-fill them without any issues.

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