Director – Career Wayne C. Friedman

Chief Wayne C. Friedman began his fire service career in 1987 with the Cuyler Fire Department in Cortland County. He moved up through the ranks prior to relocating and joining the Cortlandville Fire Department in 1996. Friedman served Cortlandville as chief from 2007-2008 and he continues to serve as a volunteer. His emergency service background is extensive, including employment as an EMT/paramedic with two commercial ambulance services and 18 years as a 911 dispatcher for Cortland County. Friedman began his professional fire service career in 1998 with the Tully Fire District. In 2003, he was hired by the city of Cortland as a firefighter. In 2010, he was promoted to deputy chief of operations and in 2019, he was selected to lead the combination volunteer/career organization as chief. Friedman has been involved for many years in local and state fire training. He became a state fire instructor in 2008, teaching at the New York State Fire Academy, as well as in Cortland County. Friedman has also developed curriculum for various state training courses, focusing on the advancement of current officer training and certification programs. A member of NYSAFC since 1991, he served on the Fire Education Committee before being appointed to the board of directors in August of 2021. Friedman is also a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, New York State Fire Marshals & Inspectors Association, Career Fire Chiefs of New York State, Central New York Firemen’s Association, and Firemen’s Association of the State of New York. He is actively involved with the Cortland County Fire Advisory Board and Cortland County Fire Chiefs Association, where he served as president from 1992-1995. Friedman also served as a deputy fire coordinator from 2003-2011. He received an associate’s degree in fire protection technology from Onondaga Community College and a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Empire State College. In 2019, Friedman graduated from the Executive Fire Officer (EFO) Program of the National Fire Academy. Wayne lives with his wife, Kimberly, and sons, Gabe and Lucas, in Cortlandville.