Dutchess County’s Department of Emergency Response (DCER) has been recognized for its high-quality emergency management program and disaster recovery planning, earning accreditation through New York State's Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). Dutchess County Emergency Response is the first county between New York City and Albany to earn this notable accreditation.
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino said, “Dutchess County’s commitment to emergency preparedness continues to be one of our highest priorities, and we are always working to ensure our residents’ health and safety is protected. This New York State accreditation recognizes our Department of Emergency Response’s dedication and expertise in preparedness planning efforts. Our residents can take pride in knowing that the professional team at Emergency Response is working every day to continue to exceed the highest standards for emergency preparedness. We are truly grateful to every member of our DCER team and congratulate them on this well-deserved achievement.”
The accreditation process is an arduous one. DCER was evaluated on variety of emergency management standards based on several factors including national Emergency Management Accreditation Program standards, relevant State laws, and emergency management best practices. DCER also engaged community stakeholders, including governmental and non-government partners, regarding emergency planning efforts, such as the County-wide Hazard Mitigation Plan and the Access & Functional Needs Registry. Dutchess is now among the more than 20 counties across the state to achieve accreditation since the program was launched in 2017.
Dutchess County’s Acting Commissioner of Emergency Response William H. Beale said, “I am incredibly proud of my team of emergency management and public health emergency preparedness professionals, who spent hundreds of hours on this project over a period of 18 months. It is an honor to be the first county in the Hudson Valley region, between New York City and Albany, to reach this standard of excellence.”
The accreditation is valid for five years, followed by a reaccreditation process.
To learn more about the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response, visit dutchessny.gov/Emergency. Be prepared and stay informed by downloading the “Ready Dutchess” mobile app, available on the App Store and Google Play.
