City of Rochester

Frederick Rion serves as Director of Emergency Management for the City of Rochester, New York. He brings experience from municipal government, higher education and county emergency management, along with graduate degrees in public administration and social work. His career has been shaped by the belief that emergency preparedness depends on coordination long before a crisis occurs.

Bringing Different Backgrounds into One Role

Before joining the City of Rochester, Rion worked in emergency management roles with Monroe County and SUNY Brockport. Those experiences gave him exposure to different parts of public service and community planning.

That mix of experiences gives him a perspective that extends beyond response activities alone. Emergency planning often touches public health, communications and the needs of residents who may be affected differently during disruptions.

His Certified Emergency Manager designation reflects a profession built on preparation, training and continued learning.

Making Coordination Work Before It Is Needed

Rion's role in Rochester requires constant collaboration across departments and outside organizations. Emergency situations rarely involve one agency acting alone, which means relationships built ahead of time can make a difference when quick decisions must be made.

He works alongside city leaders, public safety agencies and community partners to support Rochester's emergency management efforts. The work ranges from preparedness planning to helping coordinate responses when incidents occur.

Many residents only encounter emergency management during severe weather or a major event. Much of the work, however, takes place quietly in the background.

Preparing Communities for Changing Risks

Communities face different concerns than they did a decade ago. Weather events, infrastructure issues and other disruptions require plans that can adapt over time.

Rion's department focuses on training, exercises and public preparedness resources intended to help lessen the impact of emergencies. He has also emphasized the importance of residents taking an active role in their own readiness through family communication plans and community involvement.

Emergency planning extends beyond government offices. How well a community responds can also depend on the steps residents take before help arrives.

Much of emergency management is measured after difficult moments have already passed. By then, months of planning and coordination have usually taken place out of public view. Rion's work reflects that reality and the steady effort required to help communities prepare for the unexpected.