NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services

We're #hiring a new Auditor 1/Auditor Trainee 1/Auditor Trainee 2 (NY HELPS) in Latham, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

At last week’s National Emergency Management Association (NEMA) Conference in Little Rock, Director of OEM Pete Cichetti and NYS Watch Center Branch Director Madison McGuire presented on New York State’s Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS). Thank you to NEMA for bringing emergency management professionals together to share knowledge and strengthen preparedness.

Yesterday, Commissioner O'Leary visited the Glenville Fire Training Center, East Schodack Fire District #1, and Menands Fire Department. These Capital Region fire departments received the second round of V-FIRE funding for equipment and facility upgrades.

Our Albany office got a major mood boost yesterday thanks to some furry visitors from the American Red Cross! 🐾 Studies show that therapy dogs help to reduce stress and improve well-being—our team certainly agrees! Thank you, American Red Cross Eastern New York Region!

Executive Deputy Commissioner Beth Snyder recently participated in a panel for UAlbany's Research and Entrepreneurship Week. Panelists had a conversation about the greatest challenges facing New York State and how UAlbany and state agencies can work together to address them.

We're #hiring a new Senior Training Technician (DHSES) in Oriskany, New York. Apply today or share this post with your network.

We were proud to partner with the State University of New York at New Paltz for the 21st Annual IDMH: The Institute for Disaster Mental Health. This year's event brought together the latest research and real-world practice to help support frontline responders, strengthen community recovery, and build long-term resilience. Thank you to all the presenters, organizers, and attendees who joined us to share vital tools and lessons that will help improve disaster mental health outcomes across New York State and beyond. Together, we are building stronger, more resilient communities.

This month, our Disaster Recovery Individual Assistance team met with Albany County Emergency Management and local municipal representatives to discuss critical recovery resources. The session focused on how Individual Assistance programs and the Small Business Administration (SBA) support communities post-disaster. Strengthening these local relationships now ensures that when disaster strikes, our collective response is seamless, efficient, and community-focused. Thank you to Albany County and all the participating municipalities for your dedication to resilience!

Today, Governor Kathy Hochul announced $1 million in state funding for the Village of Hempstead Volunteer Fire Department in Nassau County to purchase new radio equipment. The investment will allow the department to replace outdated radios that have limited functionality inside burning buildings, improving emergency communication among first responders operating in dangerous conditions. The funding builds on Governor Hochul's ongoing investments in volunteer fire departments across New York State. In September 2026, the Governor announced $25 million in funding for 65 volunteer fire departments and districts through the Volunteer Fire Infrastructure & Response Equipment (V-FIRE) Grant Program, administered by the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. Governor Kathy Hochul also signed legislation to quadruple New York State's personal income tax credit for eligible volunteer firefighters and ambulance workers, providing financial relief to first responders who dedicate their time to protecting communities across the state.