Ithaca Fire Department

03/14/2026

Our IFD hearts and thoughts are with Lieutenant Thomas Condzella's family, friends, and the IPD. Thank you for your service, Lieutenant. Rest in peace.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Lieutenant Thomas Condzella, who died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Lieutenant Condzella joined the Ithaca Police Department in 2015 as a Patrol Officer and was later promoted to Sergeant and then Lieutenant.

During his tenure with our department, Tom served on the Specialized Response Team, the Crash Reconstruction Team, the Recruitment Team, and as President of the Ithaca Police Benevolent Association.

Tom is survived by a wife and two young sons.

We are grateful for his dedicated service to the city of Ithaca and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues.

03/10/2026

Congratulations to these firefighters who all reached the 5-year service mark at IFD over the past month. Well done!

Firefighter T. Lauper
Firefighter Husson
Firefighter Baker
Firefighter Cook

02/18/2026

Congratulations to Firefighter Bardo and Firefighter Whitney on reaching 30 years of dedicated service with the Ithaca Fire Department (IFD) this week!
When they began their careers in 1996, a gallon of gas cost just $1.10, and the average home in Ithaca sold for $104,000. A lot has changed since then—but their commitment to serving our community has remained constant.
Both firefighters are currently assigned to the truck company, where they play an essential role in the department. They generously share their knowledge and experience with newer firefighters every shift, helping to shape the next generation of IFD members.
Thank you both for three decades of outstanding service!

02/09/2026

Congratulations to Firefighters Stilwell and Albertsman who both reached their ten years of service mark today. Well done!

01/29/2026

Congratulations to firefighters Laskowsky, Verfuss, Hurd, and Young on completing their one-year probationary period. These four firefighters are now assigned to shift serving our community.

FF Laskowsky B-Shift
FF Verfuss D-Shift
FF Hurd A-Shift
FF Young E-Shift, Fire Prevention Bureau

01/29/2026

Ithaca Fire is pleased to announce the retirement of Firefighter Adam Buck. FF Buck began his career 21 years ago in January of 2005. He has been part of the fire service since 1994 and has worked as a volunteer firefighter, dispatcher, and EMT. Badge number 198 completed his career this morning as the senior firefighter on the A shift and driver/operator of the ladder truck. Throughout his time at IFD, he was quick to share his knowledge, experience, and good cooking. You will be missed, Adam! Enjoy your retirement!

01/28/2026

Congratulations to Assistant Chief Chris Hamilton, who is retiring today after serving the Ithaca community as a career firefighter since 2001. He began volunteering as a bunker in 1994, was hired as a career firefighter in 2001, and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2020. Chris was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2024 and has served as IFD’s Fire Marshal for the last several years. He has been an essential part of improving the safety of our community while overseeing the Fire Prevention Bureau, which conducts fire inspections and tests new fire protection systems. Chris has developed many strong relationships with property owners, construction managers, and community members over his career, and his dedication to fire safety will be greatly missed. Enjoy your retirement!

01/14/2026

Congratulations to Fire Chief Moody!

"Together, we will continue building a progressive department that serves our community with the highest level of professionalism and care," says Moody.

01/03/2026

Today, IFD members, past and present, gathered to remember retired Lieutenant Mahlon Irish Jr. at a ceremony at the Homer Fire Department. Lt. Irish served the Ithaca community for twenty years, and his expertise had a lasting impact on the department, especially in the area of apparatus design. IFD extends its condolences to all of his friends and family. https://www.wxhc.com/obituary-of-mahlon-w-irish-jr/

12/05/2025

Last month, members of the D-shift and the Fire Prevention Bureau visited the South Hill Elementary 2nd grade classes to share some fire safety tips. Thanks for having us!

12/02/2025

The deadline to apply for our test is December 4th. Follow the link for more details on how to apply: https://ithaca-portal.mycivilservice.com/default/show_accountment/46584