The Utica Fire Department reclaimed bragging rights and the Bob Ingalls Police and Fire Competition award after beating the Utica Police Department's average time in this year's Boilermaker.

The friendly competition is in its 12th year, and was renamed The Bob Ingalls Police and Fire Competition in 2009, after the late founder of the event who also served with the Oneida County Sheriff's Department.

The firefighter team averaged a time of 1 hour 9 minutes 46 seconds with the police coming in just a few minutes slower at 1 hour 12 minutes 21 seconds.

"Thank you to the Boilermaker committee for allowing this great competition," Utica Fire Chief Russ Brooks said. "It always allows camaraderie between departments, as well as between Chief Williams and me. First and foremost, I'd like to commend all who participated in the 2016 Boilermaker Road Race. Something each and every one of you should be proud of regardless of your finish time. Congratulations to our firefighters on their victory: NO SURPRISE! After all, the UFD has won 9 out of 12 races against the UPD. We will proudly reclaim the trophy and the bragging rights that go with it!"

Daniel Taurisani topped the Fire Department runners by finishing in 64 minutes 41 seconds, while Paul Paladino posted a time of 69 minutes 49 seconds for the Police.

A new twist to the competition this year added a $250 grant to the winner's charity of choice, and the UFD has chosen the Food Bank of Utica.

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