Three Counties Join 15 Additional Emergency Management Organizations to Achieve Accreditation Under New York State’s Local Emergency Management Program, the First of its Kind in the U.S.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to Recognize Newly Accredited Counties at the New York State Emergency Management Association Conference in Syracuse This Week
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced Monroe, Steuben and Suffolk Counties recently achieved accreditation through New York State’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Monroe County’s Office of Emergency Management, Steuben County’s Office of Emergency Services, and Suffolk County’s Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Services are the latest emergency management organizations in New York State to achieve accreditation, joining agencies in Albany, Broome, Chemung, Erie, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Saratoga, Washington, Wayne and Wyoming counties, as well as New York City.
“New York’s local emergency managers play a vital role in responding to a wide variety of emergencies in their communities and we are proud to support and celebrate them in their mission,” Governor Hochul said. “Our accreditation program demonstrates counties have thorough plans and procedures to protect New Yorkers. Congratulations to County Executives Bellone and Bello, County Manager Wheeler and their respective teams on this achievement, and I continue to encourage counties across the state to pursue this important accreditation process.”
New York State’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program is the nation’s first accreditation at the state level for local emergency management agencies. The program was developed in partnership with the New York State Emergency Management Association (NYSEMA), the accreditation program highlights and promotes local emergency management agencies in New York State. To become accredited, a local government must meet a series of standards and best practices promoting a coordinated and integrated approach to emergency management. Localities must also engage “whole community” stakeholders, including government and non-government partners.
The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) administers the program on behalf of the Local Emergency Management Accreditation Council, which serves as the governing body for the program. Accreditation is valid for five years, with an opportunity to obtain reaccreditation after the five-year period.
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Commissioner Jackie Bray said, “New York’s threat landscape has never been more diverse, from the ferocity of storms to cyber-incidents to mass casualty events. These threats require our local emergency managers to have processes in place to respond to disasters and protect the public. Thanks to our partners in Monroe, Steuben and Suffolk Counties on achieving this accreditation that will better equip themselves to respond to emergencies.”
New York State Emergency Management Association President and Cattaraugus County Emergency Management Director Chris Baker said, “I would like to congratulate these counties for achieving this important accomplishment, and I want to thank DHSES for their ongoing partnership with the accreditation program.”
Steuben County Office of Emergency Services
The Steuben County Office of Emergency Services applies its training and knowledge to effectively plan and prepare for the harmful effects of natural and manmade disasters. Emergency Services officials guide and coordinate emergency response agencies in protecting those who live, travel and work in Steuben County. Emergency Services officials strive to significantly reduce the number of losses to individuals, businesses and government of Steuben County and alleviate the suffering associated with the disruption of daily routines.
Steuben County Manager Jack Wheeler said, “Steuben County is grateful to receive this accreditation and is very proud of our Office of Emergency Services. Whether it be their proactive disaster planning, or responding to active events such as weather emergencies, fires, or COVID-19, the men and women of this office consistently demonstrate professionalism and a never-ending sense of duty. This accreditation is well-deserved recognition of their tremendous efforts.”
Steuben County Director of Public Safety and County Emergency Manager Tim Marshall said, “Steuben County Office of Emergency Services is excited to be among those who are receiving this recognition of being accredited by New York State’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program. Achieving this accreditation continues to ensure we are amongst those most prepared for any emergency, natural or other active disaster, thrown our way. The men and women that serve both as employees as well as volunteers within our organization should be proud to be part of getting us here.”
