Cortland County Department of Emergency Response and Communications

06/17/2026

Today, we celebrate the retirement of Sandy Maxon after 43 years of dedicated service to the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

While her title was Administrative Specialist 2, to the fire service she was so much more. Sandy was the person everyone called for answers, guidance, and support. Her knowledge, professionalism, and commitment helped generations of firefighters, instructors, chiefs, and fire service leaders across New York State.

Here in Cortland County, Sandy was always just a phone call away—providing assistance, answering questions, and helping us navigate challenges with patience and professionalism. Her support has played an important role in the success of our training programs and the development of our firefighters.

Thank you, Sandy, for 43 years of exceptional service and dedication to New York's fire service. Your impact will be felt for years to come.

Congratulations on your well-deserved retirement!

06/16/2026

06/11/2026

The Cortland County Department of Emergency Response & Communications extends its sincere congratulations to City of Cortland Fire Chief Wayne Friedman on being named the 2026 Career Fire Chief of the Year.

This prestigious recognition reflects Chief Friedman’s outstanding leadership, unwavering commitment to public safety, and dedicated service to the residents of the City of Cortland and Cortland County.

Throughout his career, Chief Friedman has demonstrated professionalism, innovation, and a passion for advancing the fire service while fostering strong partnerships throughout our emergency response community.

In addition to his duties as Fire Chief, Chief Friedman serves as a New York State Fire Instructor assigned to Cortland County, where he plays a vital role in training and mentoring firefighters, helping ensure the highest standards of preparedness and safety throughout our region.

We are proud to work alongside Chief Friedman and the members of the Cortland Fire Department. Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved honor and thanking him for his continued service, leadership, and dedication to the fire service and our community.

06/10/2026

🚨 What’s in a Dispatcher’s Toolkit? 🚨

Behind every emergency call is a dispatcher equipped with the tools needed to connect people with help when they need it most.

From our CAD system and phone system to radio consoles, multiple monitors, and headsets, every piece of equipment plays a critical role in managing information, coordinating responders, and ensuring clear communication during emergencies.

While first responders are often the face of emergency services, dispatchers are the vital link that keeps everything moving behind the scenes—gathering information, prioritizing calls, and directing resources where they’re needed most.

📞 Every call matters.
🎧 Every detail counts.
💙 Every day, dispatchers are here to help.

06/09/2026

The first stretch of hot and humid weather is here. If you're working outdoors, take extra precautions to protect yourself from heat-related illness.

06/06/2026

Possible severe weather for our area this afternoon and evening.

Good morning! Showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop this afternoon into this evening. Some of these thunderstorms may become strong to severe and may result in locally damaging winds and hail.

For a location-specific forecast, please visit weather.gov/bgm and enter your location into the search box.

06/05/2026

🚨 JOIN OUR TEAM! 🚨

Looking for a career where every day is different and your work truly makes a difference?

The Cortland County Department of Emergency Response & Communications is seeking dedicated individuals to join our team as Dispatchers.

As a dispatcher, you'll be the calm voice in an emergency, connecting callers with the help they need when seconds matter most.

Our team members receive:
✅ Hands-on training
✅ Continuing education opportunities
✅ CPR/AED certification
✅ Public education involvement
✅ Employee recognition programs
✅ Opportunities to work alongside first responders throughout our community

No two days are ever the same, but every day is an opportunity to make an impact.

Ready to answer the call?

📍 Visit: https://brnw.ch/21x37SM