Three New York counties have achieved accreditation or reaccreditation through New York State’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program.
Oswego County achieved its initial Emergency Management accreditation, while Livingston County and Albany County recently achieved reaccreditation, having gone through the rigorous review process previously. The program gives county and local agencies an opportunity to be evaluated on overall emergency management proficiency and to potentially improve or enhance programs related to disaster planning efforts. Accreditation is valid for five years, with an opportunity to obtain reaccreditation at the end of the period.
Since 2017, the following counties have achieved accreditation: Albany, Broome, Chemung, Erie, Livingston, Madison, Monroe, Montgomery, Nassau, Niagara, Oneida, Oswego, Saratoga, Seneca, Steuben, Suffolk, Washington, Wayne, and Wyoming. 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 Emergency Management Accreditation Program standards, relevant State laws, and emergency management best practices. Local government must also engage community stakeholders, including governmental and non-government partners, regarding emergency planning efforts.
DHSES administers the program on behalf of the Local Emergency Management Accreditation Council, which serves as the governing body for the program. The Accreditation Council 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 serves a three-year term.
Livingston County Director of Emergency Management Andrew P. Brodell said, “The Livingston County Office of Emergency Management is proud to receive our reaccreditation in Emergency Management through the NYS Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. This process provided extremely valuable feedback for our plans and staff to strengthen our ability to plan for and react to emergencies. We are excited for further opportunities to work with our partners and stakeholders to ensure our practices are as reliable and efficient as possible.”
Oswego County Emergency Management Director Cathleen Palmitesso said, “In Oswego County, we are committed to building and maintaining an effective emergency management program that serves our community and collaborates with our partners. Our program is built on the strong foundation of Oswego County’s Radiological Emergency Response Plan, which has enabled us to establish and sustain the collaborative partnerships that are critical to our success. These partnerships ensure we’re all working together to protect our community and provide a sense of security and safety. The NYS accreditation program is just one example of how we strive not only to meet standards and expectations but to exceed them whenever possible, and it is a reflection of the ongoing dedication from all of those who support our mission.”
Albany County Sheriff Craig D. Apple Sr. said, “Our office places emergency preparedness as a top priority for Albany County to assure the highest level of safety and preparation to our residents in times of disasters. We proudly share our re-accreditation with our community as it represents we have achieved the highest level of Emergency Preparedness and Response. As Sheriff, I am proud to share that every unit in the Sheriff’s Office is accredited in their specific discipline. I would like to thank NYSEMA and DHSES for overseeing this process that assures we are at the highest level of Planning, Response, Recovery, and Resiliency.”
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