New York State Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services Announces Francis "Skip" Nerney Appointed as State Fire Administrator

• By: Staff
• On: 01/24/2017 13:05:26
• In: NYSAFC News

New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) Commissioner John Melville announced on January 24, 2017, that Francis “Skip” Nerney has been appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo as state fire administrator at the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC).

OFPC, part of DHSES, delivers essential fire and life safety protection to all New Yorkers, and is responsible for training the state's firefighters. With wide ranging responsibilities including public safety, building inspections, fire investigation, firefighter training, and search and rescue, OFPC is one of the most comprehensive state fire service organizations in the nation. Nerney was appointed to lead OFPC following the retirement of Bryant Stevens.
 
“Public safety is paramount and OFPC plays a vital role in helping educate New Yorkers about fire danger, and in training the state's firefighters to combat fires and spills,” Melville said. “Skip Nerney, a lifelong firefighter in New York, has the leadership skills to ensure that this office maintains its laser-focus on public safety and that the state's firefighters have the best training available to keep the public safe.”
 
Nerney brings more than 30 years of public service experience in planning and execution of fire administration, prevention, and community relations to his new role. Since 2014, he served as the deputy state fire administrator for operations where he was responsible for supervising the fire operations and training and the special operations branch, which includes technical rescue and hazardous materials training and response. Through his leadership, OFPC has strengthened its firefighter training programs and enhanced the response capabilities of the state's Crude Oil Foam Task Force and Urban Search and Rescue Team.
 
Prior to joining OFPC, Nerney worked for the Albany Fire Department for more than 27 years and held the rank of deputy chief from 2008-2014. As deputy chief, he was responsible for overall department training in emergency medical services, fire suppression, hazardous materials response, technical rescue, incident command, and safety. Nerney began his career with the Shaker Road Loudonville Volunteer Fire Department.