ITHACA, N.Y. (WENY) - The city of Ithaca officially has a new fire chief.

Acting Chief Robert Covert the second was promoted to fire chief on Thursday.

Covert came to Ithaca from Seneca County, New York and graduated from Cornell University in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Labor Relations. He began his career with Ithaca Fire Department in 1992.

He says it's an exciting opportunity to take a leadership role and praised the fire department, saying the organization has a bright future ahead.

"I mean, I'm very fortunate that those that came before me did a great job running the department, between chief Parsons, and chief Doorman and Chief Boebert," said Covert. "A lot of big shoes to fill, so we have a young department, and lots to learn, and just going to be focused on getting them mission ready."

Covert says he looks forward to the challenge of running a fire department.