The Village of Lancaster Office of Emergency Management is led by OEM Director Scott M. Kuhlmey. He holds degrees in Disaster & Emergency Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.), as well as Fire Protection Technology. He is a former adjunct instructor for the Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.), leading the Fire Protection curriculum.
Kuhlmey successfully completed the Disaster & Emergency Management Certificate Program at the Rochester Institute of Technology, the Safety & Health Specialist Certificate Program at the Niagara County Community College, and the FEMA Professional Development Series in Emergency Management. Additionally, he is a member of the Erie County Sheriff’s Office Type 4 All-Hazard Incident Management Team responsible for managing and/or assisting other agencies in managing major and/or complex incidents. Kuhlmey is the recipient of awards, including:
Lancaster Fire Department, Erie County Fire Chiefs Mutual Aid Organization, Erie County Volunteer Firemen's Association, and Lions Club of Lancaster Firefighter of the Year
Bravest of Western New York by WIVB Channel 4 / WNLO Channel 23 for his rescue of a victim from a house fire in December 2006
New York State Senate Liberty Award and Medal, the highest honor that the State Senate bestows upon a civilian for heroic action, exceptional achievement, and dedication
Firemen\'s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Meritorious commendation
Lions Club District 20-N Courageous Hero Award
ECSO William G. Payne Patrol Services Award for his commitment to excellence and his sense of duty as a fire and crime scene investigator
Kuhlmey is a member of the Erie County Emergency Manager Association, Erie County Local Emergency Planning Committee LEPC, and Emergency Managers’ Association of Western New York amongst others. He holds a number of professional certifications, including, NYS Fire Inspector, NYS Emergency Medical Technician D, NYS Fire Instructor, NYS Fire Officer II, NYS Hazardous Materials Technician, NYS National Incident Management System (NIMS) Instructor, NYS Code Enforcement Official, NYS Fire Investigator II, and Nationally Certified Firefighter II.
Kuhlmey is a former member of the Lancaster Volunteer Ambulance Corps and Erie County Hazardous Materials Organization, in addition to 15 years as an experienced professional in safety management and emergency planning/response in industrial and educational sectors. He is a Deputy Sheriff Police Officer with the Erie County Sheriff's Office, with responsibilities as a Crime Scene Investigator, Fire Investigator, Field Training Officer and instructor. He is the Fire Inspector for the Village of Lancaster and a Past Chief and 28-year member of the Lancaster Fire Department.