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Rome Today
By the People, for the People
Rome Swears In Michael J. Reilly as 15th Fire Chief
Veteran firefighter takes the helm after predecessor's 36-year tenure.
Apr. 3, 2026 at 10:09pm
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The swearing in of a new fire chief represents a changing of the guard and an opportunity for a fire department to adapt to new challenges.Rome TodayThe city of Rome, New York, welcomed in the future of its fire department with the swearing in of new Fire Chief Michael J. Reilly. Reilly, a veteran firefighter who joined the department in 2002, was appointed as the 15th fire chief after his predecessor, David Gratch, announced his retirement following 36 years of service.
Why it matters
The transition of fire department leadership is an important event for any community, as the fire chief plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and managing the department's operations. Reilly's appointment represents a changing of the guard and an opportunity for the Rome Fire Department to build upon its past successes while adapting to new challenges and technologies in the fire service.
The details
Reilly was sworn in during a ceremony at the Rome Free Academy auditorium, which was attended by a full house. In his remarks, Reilly expressed his pride in leading the department and his excitement to move it forward. Reilly joined the department in 2002 and worked his way up the ranks to lieutenant and then captain before being appointed as chief in February 2026. His predecessor, David Gratch, retired after 36 years of service, stating that he is grateful the 'right man is in charge' to take the department into the future.
- Reilly joined the Rome Fire Department in 2002.
- Reilly was appointed as the 15th fire chief in February 2026.
- Gratch announced his retirement in February 2026 after 36 years of service.
The players
Michael J. Reilly
The new fire chief of the Rome Fire Department, who was sworn in during a ceremony in April 2026. Reilly joined the department in 2002 and worked his way up the ranks to lieutenant and captain before being appointed as chief.
David Gratch
The previous fire chief of the Rome Fire Department, who retired in 2026 after 36 years of service. Gratch expressed confidence that Reilly is the 'right man' to lead the department into the future.
What they’re saying
“I'm very proud to lead this department and very excited to get us moving forward.”
— Michael J. Reilly, Fire Chief
“It's a little tough, but it feels good knowing that Mike is going to take care of things the right way. The department and the city is in good hands.”
— David Gratch, Retired Fire Chief
What’s next
Reilly has stated that his goals as the new fire chief are to keep up with changing technology and ways in the fire service, as well as to provide his personnel with the tools they need to do their jobs effectively.
The takeaway
The swearing in of Michael J. Reilly as the 15th fire chief of the Rome Fire Department represents a significant transition in the department's leadership. Reilly's appointment comes after the retirement of his predecessor, David Gratch, who served for 36 years. This changing of the guard provides an opportunity for the department to build upon its past successes while adapting to new challenges and technologies in the fire service.
