A Utica mayoral candidate says health coverage for the city's first responders is at risk, because of the current mayor and Public Safety Commissioner Robert Palmieri.

Joseph Marino was joined by former fire chief Russell Brooks, a formerly active police officer, and others Wednesday. Marino says Palmieri is playing politics with the role, and shouldn't have the ability to honor or deny health claims.

"A politician gets to determine the health and safety of the family members of the people protecting our streets,” said Marino. “I don't think that that's appropriate, and I'm absolutely going to change that right away. These people need to know that their city is protecting them while they're protecting us."

The mayor did not immediately return a request for comment but referred to a police union endorsement.

The Police Benevolent Association said Marino using the memorial wall as a backdrop was an affront to the people being honored. They say the agreed-upon contract only covers health care for the injury at-hand and salary.

They say the mayor has given concessions so members can keep existing coverage.