UTICA, N.Y. -- Despite more than a year of medical leave, multiple court appearances, and impending retirement, Utica Fire Chief Russell Brooks says his dispute with Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri isn't over.

Brooks has had two separate health claims denied by the city.

He has leukemia, and says the World Trade Center Health Organization recognizes his condition as resulting from his response to 9/11.

The first claim was denied because a third-party doctor found other health conditions which he said made Brooks unfit to serve as fire chief.

The second issue arose because the city said Brooks did not officially submit a claim.

An appeal was also unsuccessful, but Brooks has now officially applied and been denied by the City.

So he's planning to take the Mayor, who is also the Public Safety Commissioner, to court.

Brooks just turned 70, his mandatory retirement starts on September 29th.

"My last official day is the 28th, you know? And instead of getting a cake or something or a 'thank you', I get politics," Brooks said.

An attorney with Utica's Corporation Counsel said it is not a political move.

James Barefoot is currently serving as Utica's Temporary Fire Chief .