Dale Banker named EMO director

Photo by Tom Rivers – Dale Banker, front, marches with the Albion Fire Department in the June 14 Albion Strawberry Festival Parade. Matt Francis is in the line behind Banker.

ALBION – Orleans County will have a new emergency management coordinator next month, and the new leader is a familiar face to local firefighters.

Dale Banker, a past Albion fire chief, has been an active volunteer firefighter for more than three decades. He also served on the Albion Village Board and currently works with the state Department of Transportation.

“He has outstanding credentials and almost a lifetime of experience,” said David Callard, chairman of the Orleans County Legislature.

He made the appointment today. Banker will succeed Paul Wagner, who is retiring July 18 after 14 years as director of the Emergency Management Office.

Wagner has been busy trying to see through an overhaul of the county’s emergency radio system. That system was activated last month.

“The radios have dominated but now it’s time to push the fire service ahead,” Callard said. “Dale really was quite visionary in his thoughts, which is what we need going forward.”

Rocky Sidari, the current Albion fire chief, and Dave Knapp, a past Holley fire chief and current county fire investigator, both pursued the EMO position.

Callard likes Banker’s long-term experience working with the public and political leaders.

“The other candidates were also experienced and very likable,” Callard said. “But Dale has the most outstanding credentials.”

The job was Callard’s to fill. He made the appointment, and noted Banker had the support of the Fire Advisory Board.