Broome, Oneida and Wayne Counties Achieve Reaccreditation
Program Led by NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services and NYS Emergency Management Association
Accreditation Helps Counties and Municipalities Across the State Strengthen Disaster Response and Planning
From NYS Division of Homeland Security,
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) today announced the City of Rochester and Yates County achieved first-time accreditation through New York State’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program. In addition, Broome, Oneida, and Wayne counties achieved reaccreditation through the program, which provides county and local agencies an opportunity to be evaluated on overall emergency management proficiency and to improve or enhance programs related to disaster planning efforts. The accreditation is valid for five years, with an opportunity to obtain reaccreditation at the end of the period.
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said, “As disasters begin and end locally, New Yorkers deserve a strong network of emergency management professionals to help protect their communities from a wide range of threats. Thanks to our strong partnership with NYSEMA, New York is proud to be home to the best network of emergency managers in the nation, and this program has played a critical role in making that a reality.”
New York State DHSES Office of Emergency Management Director Pete Cichetti said, “The Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program is a longstanding partnership between DHSES and NYSEMA that helps jurisdictions develop their emergency management programs to the highest standards. Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s steadfast leadership, New York State continues to invest in and strengthen its emergency management resources and response efforts. My congratulations to all five jurisdictions achieving accreditation or reaccreditation this year as they demonstrate their commitment to having effective emergency management programs that keep communities safe.”
New York State Emergency Management Association President and Cattaraugus County Emergency Management Director Chris Baker said, “I am pleased the City of Rochester and Yates County have attained the status of Accredited Agency and applaud their efforts because they recognize the high standards this accreditation brings. I also congratulate Broome, Oneida and Wayne counties for their reaccreditation. The partnership between NYSEMA, DHSES and our partners at the local level continues to take Emergency Management in New York State to the next level.”
Since 2017, the following counties have achieved accreditation: Albany, Broome, Chemung, Dutchess, Erie, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, Saratoga, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. In addition to the City of Rochester, New York City has also received accreditation under the program.
To become accredited, emergency management offices must meet a variety of emergency management standards based on several factors including national standards, relevant State laws, and best practices. Local government must also engage community stakeholders, including governmental and non-government partners, regarding emergency planning.
DHSES administers the program on behalf of the Local Emergency Management Accreditation Council, which serves as the governing body for the program and is co-chaired by the New York State Emergency Management Association and the NYS DHSES Office of Emergency Management (OEM). The Council includes a total of eight members with the NYSEMA President and DHSES OEM Director each appointing three additional representatives to ensure the Council accurately reflects the emergency management community in New York. This includes a cross-section of emergency management professionals from across the State, including urban and rural, as well as large and small jurisdictions. Each of the appointed members serve a three-year term.
City of Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “The receipt of the New York State Emergency Management Accreditation provides welcome, peer-reviewed confirmation that Rochester’s emergency management system meets the highest professional standards and best practices for disaster preparedness, response, recovery and mitigation. I want to congratulate Emergency Management Director Fred Rion and our entire emergency management team for achieving this very demanding accreditation, which affirms our commitment to protecting the health, safety and property of Rochester’s residents, employers and visitors.”
Yates County Administrator Jessica Mullins said, “Yates County is incredibly proud of our Emergency Management Operations Department for earning accreditation from New York State. This achievement reflects years of dedicated service, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe. The department’s work has long been recognized and appreciated, and this accreditation is a well-deserved milestone. I congratulate the entire team and thank them for the high standards and care they bring to serving Yates County every day.”
Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said, “Broome County’s dedication and commitment to protecting our residents through strong planning and preparedness is paramount to our ability to effectively respond to emergencies and disasters. Over the past two years, our Office of Emergency Services staff worked tirelessly to review and update emergency plans, strengthen procedures, and ensure we meet the highest standards in emergency management. This reaccreditation is a significant milestone and direct reflection of the hard work, professionalism, and commitment of our OES team who work every day to keep our community safe. I’m incredibly grateful for their dedication and proud to congratulate them on this well-earned achievement.”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. said, “This reaccreditation is an affirmation of the professionalism, preparedness and unwavering commitment displayed by the men and women of Oneida County’s Emergency Services Department. Being recognized at the NYSEMA conference is especially meaningful, as Oneida County was the first in the nation to achieve state accreditation for emergency services. Maintaining that standard requires constant training, evaluation and dedication, and our team continues to set the benchmark for excellence in protecting our residents when it matters most.”
Oneida County Director of Emergency Services Francis Manfredo said, “The reaccreditation of the Oneida County Emergency Services Department is a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence, professionalism and public safety. As the first emergency services department in the nation to achieve accreditation, Oneida County continues to set the standard—demonstrating that sustained excellence is not a milestone, but a mission. I commend the department’s leadership and staff for maintaining the highest standards in emergency management and service to their community.”
Wayne County Board of Supervisors Madam Chair Kim V. Leonard said, “On behalf of the Wayne County Board of Supervisors, I am incredibly proud of our Emergency Management team for once again meeting the rigorous benchmarks set by the State. Our residents deserve to know that when the unthinkable happens, Wayne County is prepared with a gold-standard response. This reaccreditation reinforces our commitment to public safety and honors the legacy of excellence that began when we first became one of the top ten accredited counties in the state.”
Wayne County Emergency Management Director George Bastedo said, “This reaccreditation isn’t just a badge for our office; it’s a testament to the relentless work our team puts in behind the scenes every day. Being the ninth county in New York to achieve this distinction was a proud moment for us, but staying at that level requires constant evolution. This recognition from NYSDHSES and NYSEMA confirms that our protocols, training, and dedication to the safety of Wayne County residents remain at the highest possible standard.”
Additional information about the New York State Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program including program guidance, eligibility, and standards can be found on the DHSES website. Local emergency management offices looking to achieve accreditation should complete the application form and submit it to DHSES at EMaccreditation@dhses.ny.gov.
About the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services
The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
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