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The swearing in for new City of Fulton Fire Chief Randy Ketcham took place late last week, ahead of his first day on the job on July 1st.
After over 23 years in the Fulton City Fire Department, including the past 3 as chief, Adam Howard stepped down this week.
Mayor Jim Rice noted, “We will have no gap in coverage [for the Fire Chief position].” The City moved quickly to install Ketcham, who recently retired as Fire Chief of the fire department at Fort Drum. He was sworn in by the Hon. Jim Nicholson, who was only recently sworn in himself, just four days ahead of Chief Howard’s official retirement.
At the start of the ceremony, leading the council in the Pledge of Allegiance were Ketcham’s three children: John, Thomas, and Catherine.
Ketcham, who grew up in Oswego County, is returning to his roots. Of the swearing in, he said, “I’m so glad my family could be here, as well as my new family.”
Howard, who grew emotional when discussing stepping down from his role, had these words of advice for the new chief: “Just… Enjoy. As chief, you’re dedicated to the residents and dedicated to the City [administration], and you need to balance those commitments.”
As for the former chief, he’s planning a long summer filled with camping, traveling, and preparing for what comes next. “Our daughter is going off to college in the fall, so we’re preparing to be empty nesters,” he said. “So, we’re going to enjoy every minute of this summer—Darien Lake, Chemung County, you name it—we’re going to go all over the place.”
We wish former Chief Howard the best of luck in his future endeavors, and send our congratulations to Fire Chief Ketcham!
