Local News for Friday, March 3, 2023

Ithaca Has a New Fire Chief

Robert Covert II is the new Chief of the Ithaca Fire Department. The Common Council voted unanimously to approve his promotion during their meeting on Tuesday. Covert had been the Acting Chief since former chief Thomas Basher retired last August. He’s been a member of the department for 30 years.

Ithaca to Hold Public Meeting about Reimagining Public Safety Report

Residents of Ithaca will get a chance to share their thoughts next week on the draft report from the Committee on Reimagining Public Safety. A public hearing will be held next Wednesday at 6 PM in City Hall on Green Street. You can read the draft report online or get a copy from the City Clerk’s office. Residents may comment on the draft report in person at the meeting or in writing. A form for for submitting comments is on the city website. All comments or requests to speak must be received by 3PM Wednesday.

Elmira Police Chief Fired for ‘Unprofessionalism’

Documents recently released to the Elmira Star-Gazette provide more information about the firing of former Elmira Police Chief Anthony Alvernaz in January. According to the paper, in a brief recorded conversation just before the chief was dismissed, City Manager Michael Collins told Alvernaz he was guilty of “unprofessionalism and insubordination” relating to an incident on December 9. The incident occurred on Elmira’s Southside. Neither the city nor the former police chief has said exactly what happened on December 9th that led to the investigation and Alvernaz’s subsequent dismissal.