Correction: The original story incorrectly stated that Farrell was taking an early retirement deal. In fact he is retiring, but is not eligible for a retirement incentive.

BY JIMMY LAWTON
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg Fire Chief Mike Farrell will be retiring from the city after serving seven years as chief and much longer as firefighter.

The announcement was made public during a budget workshop Tuesday, in which he asked the city to keep the fire department's staff at 29 members.

Farrell went over the fire budget publicly, but many of the details were uncertain as the city and department are still negotiating a contract.

Farrell said he is aware of the state financial review board's recommendation to reduce the department's staff significantly and he knows the city is considering those recommendations.

However, Farrell said his department remains busy and he believes the city would suffer if employee numbers at the department are reduced.

Farrell said he was sworn in as chief and he feels he would not be honoring that oath if he didn't fight to keep the city's fire department at current staffing levels.

He said he has outstanding members who work hard for the city's interests as mechanics, firefighters, emergency medical techs and various other jobs.

He said the city has a minimum of five people on duty at the station at any given time and that to have fewer would raise safety concerns.

"I would ask again that the staffing stays the same," he said.

City council took no action on the fire budget, but is expected to continue negotiations as budget workshops continue over the next few weeks.