GENESEO – Kevin Niedermaier, the first director of Emergency Management, recently retired after 25 years on the job.
“It was an exciting job because you never really knew what you were going to face,” said Niedermaier.
Some of the the things he faced went beyond day-to-day activities, to a number of natural disasters.
“All of a sudden you got yourself a flood, ice storm, fire or something. It was always evolving,” said Niedermaier.
As the job changed, so too did Niedermaier.
“The job takes you away from a lot of different events. You miss a lot of birthdays. You also miss a lot of holidays and sporting events. Those are events that you do not get the opportunity to see again,” said Niedermaier.
Another big factor in his decision to retire was his two young granddaughters and who he said are growing up all too fast.
“I have two beautiful granddaughters and they are getting into the age where they are playing sports at a younger level. They are close enough and it is nice to see them, so family was a huge commitment to it,” said Niedermaier.
With more time on his hands he hopes to spend more time with those he loves.
Looking back on his career he said a few accomplishments stand out. Those include getting the Office of Emergency Management accredited by the Office of Homeland Security in 2018, and the county hazmat team accredited in 2019.
Livingston County was among the first emergency management offices in the state to receive accreditation.
The Livingston County HazMat team, which works from the Emergency Management office, received its accreditation in January 2019 from the New York State Emergency Management Association. The team has 21 members and responds to any type of accident or emergency in which hazardous materials may be involved. The team is made up of volunteers from local fire departments.
Both accreditations involved a review of about 20 different standards – some with two to a half-dozen or more additional criteria that must be met. Factors included administration, training, preparedness, communication and hazardous material plans
Designing and construction of the office of emergency management and training was another notable achievement, said Niedermaier.
His training and need to help others has continued with the new director of emergency management Brad Austin, who took over on Jan. 19.
To help Austin get settled into the new role Niedermaier is working part time, to help with the transition.
“Brad Austin is a great guy and he is going to do extremely well in the job,” said Niedermaier.
After Austin is settled into the new job Niedermaier said he will have plenty of other things to keep him busy.
“I am a third-generation farmer on the family farm. I own and operate a cash crop farm in Groveland, so I have that to go back at. I am looking to help other counties with emergency management if they need it,” said Niedermaier.
He is also hoping to do some teaching at the fire academy, which allows him to educate others and continue to serve a community that he said he will always love.
“The single accomplishment that I am most proud of is working for the people of Livingston County,” said Niedermaier. “Helping out during times of need and helping those out, was great.”
Kevin Niedermaier shown here investigating a structure fire, was Livingston County’s first Director of emergency management. Last month he retired after 25 years of service.
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