Rochester and Yates County just hit a major milestone in disaster preparedness.
State officials announced Friday that both earned first-time accreditation through New York’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program, a five-year designation that recognizes strong emergency planning and response efforts.
The program, led by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the New York State Emergency Management Association, reviews how local governments prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters.
Broome, Oneida, and Wayne counties also secured reaccreditation this year.
Why accreditation matters
State leaders say emergencies start and end at the local level. That puts pressure on counties and cities to keep plans sharp and teams ready.
“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,” said Acting DHSES Commissioner Terry O’Leary. “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.”
DHSES Office of Emergency Management Director Pete Cichetti said the program helps jurisdictions meet high standards.
“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,” Cichetti said. “Under Governor Kathy Hochul’s steadfast leadership, New York State continues to invest in and strengthen its emergency management resources and response efforts.”
What it takes to qualify
To earn accreditation, local emergency management offices must meet standards based on national guidelines, state laws, and best practices. They also must work with community partners on emergency planning.
The accreditation stays in place for five years. After that, agencies can apply for reaccreditation.
Since 2017, more than 20 counties have earned accreditation, including Albany, Erie, Monroe, Nassau, Suffolk, and Yates. New York City and now the City of Rochester have also achieved the designation.
Local leaders react
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans called the recognition a strong endorsement of the city’s preparedness efforts.
“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,” Evans said.
Yates County Administrator Jessica Mullins praised her team’s work.
“Yates County is incredibly proud of our Emergency Management Operations Department for earning accreditation from New York State,” Mullins said. “This achievement reflects years of dedicated service, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe.”
Officials in Broome, Oneida, and Wayne counties also highlighted the work required to maintain accreditation, pointing to updated plans, regular training, and ongoing evaluation.
DHSES administers the program on behalf of the Local Emergency Management Accreditation Council. The council includes emergency management professionals from urban and rural areas across the state.
Local offices interested in accreditation can apply through DHSES.
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