FASNY honors Port Byron fire chief for community service

Port Byron Fire Chief Corey Rooker has been recognized by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York with its Fire Service Community Achievement Award, highlighting more than three decades of volunteer leadership and public service in Cayuga County.

Statewide honor spotlights decades of volunteer service

According to published coverage, Rooker was named the 2026 recipient of the Fire Service Community Achievement Award, a statewide recognition presented annually by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. The honor is conferred on an active volunteer firefighter who demonstrates a sustained commitment not only to emergency response but also to broader community service.

Reports indicate that Rooker has served with the Port Byron Fire Department for approximately 35 years. During that time, he has progressed through the ranks and currently leads the department as fire chief, while continuing to respond to calls as an interior firefighter and emergency medical technician.

Publicly available information shows that the award reflects both his on-scene responsibilities and his efforts to strengthen training, safety and readiness within the department. Regional coverage notes that Rooker is recognized locally for emphasizing member safety and consistent staffing so that the department can deliver reliable response across the Port Byron area.

Leadership rooted in family and local tradition

Reports describe Rooker as part of a family with longstanding ties to the volunteer fire service, a background that has shaped his approach to leadership in Port Byron. Generations of involvement are common in rural and small-town fire departments in New York State, and observers often credit that continuity with preserving volunteer ranks.

In Rooker’s case, published accounts indicate that his years of experience on the fireground inform a hands-on leadership style. He is described as working closely alongside firefighters during incidents and drills, using his knowledge to support newer members and maintain consistent standards in tactics and safety.

The Fire Service Community Achievement Award typically highlights nominees who connect day-to-day fire service duties with community engagement. Rooker’s recognition aligns with that emphasis, with his career presented as an example of how local volunteers can anchor both emergency response and civic life in a small village.

Key role in Port Byron school safety and operations

Beyond the firehouse, publicly available information shows that Rooker holds multiple roles within the Port Byron Central School District. Coverage indicates that he serves as the district’s chief emergency officer, transportation supervisor, facilities and maintenance supervisor, and fitness center manager.

In these positions, Rooker is reported to be involved in emergency planning, building operations and daily logistics for students and staff. His responsibilities include supporting safety protocols, coordinating responses to incidents on school grounds and helping integrate emergency medical care when needed.

Observers note that this combination of fire service and school district roles provides a direct link between first responders and one of the community’s most critical institutions. It also reflects a broader pattern in small communities, where experienced volunteers frequently take on overlapping duties in public safety and education.

Regional training and preparedness contributions

Reports indicate that Rooker’s work extends beyond Port Byron through his involvement with the Cayuga County Emergency Management Office. He serves as an intelligence liaison officer, a role that connects local departments with regional and state-level information related to public safety and homeland security.

According to publicly available descriptions of the position, intelligence liaison officers provide training on recognizing potential terrorism-related indicators and suspicious activity. In Rooker’s case, regional reporting notes that he delivers instruction for fire and EMS personnel and assists with educating new emergency medical technician students.

By contributing to this training network, Rooker is viewed as helping to strengthen preparedness across multiple departments in Cayuga County. The statewide award highlights this aspect of his service, framing his influence as reaching beyond a single department to support a more coordinated emergency response system.

FASNY’s broader focus on volunteer and community awards

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York administers several annual recognitions, including awards for firefighter of the year, emergency medical service, fire safety education, youth mentorship and community achievement. Publicly available association materials describe the Fire Service Community Achievement Award as honoring volunteers who pair active fire service duties with involvement in civic or charitable initiatives.

In recent years, FASNY has repeatedly emphasized the importance of recruitment, retention and community outreach as volunteer departments across New York confront changing demographics and increasing call volumes. The association uses its award programs to highlight examples of long-term commitment, leadership and innovation in local fire and EMS agencies.

Rooker’s selection for the 2026 Fire Service Community Achievement Award places Port Byron among the communities featured in that statewide spotlight. For residents, the recognition underscores how a volunteer-led department can play a central role not only in responding to emergencies but also in supporting schools, training and regional safety initiatives.