In a surprising turn of events, Matthew Denner, who has served as the director of emergency services for St. Lawrence County since 2019, has officially resigned from his position. His resignation was reported on March 25, 2025, by both North Country Public Radio and WWNY, with no specific reason given for his departure.
The resignation comes at a critical time for the county's emergency services, which include various bureaus dedicated to providing essential support to local rescue agencies and fire departments. These include the Bureau of Communications, Bureau of Fire, Bureau of EMS, and Bureau of Emergency Management. The county's press release emphasized the office's commitment to delivering leadership and cooperation to ensure the best emergency care for all residents and visitors within St. Lawrence County.
Following Denner's resignation, Deputy Director Rick Rusaw has stepped in to lead the department until a new director is appointed. The St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators is set to begin a search for Denner's replacement, according to the official announcement.
The county's Office of Emergency Services is currently focusing on a significant operational transition. Plans are underway to move operations from the backup dispatch center in Massena back to a new Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) located in Canton. This shift is part of a broader effort to enhance emergency communications throughout the region.
As the county embarks on the search for a new emergency services director, the criteria for the position will be crucial. The new director will be expected to further develop and expand the network for emergency communications, which is vital for ensuring timely responses to emergencies. Additionally, they will need to oversee the ongoing radio communication upgrade and maintain strong working relationships with all rescue agencies and fire departments.
Denner's tenure began in 2019, and during his time in office, he was responsible for overseeing the county's emergency response strategies and initiatives. His leadership was marked by efforts to improve the county's emergency management capabilities, although the specifics of his accomplishments during his tenure were not detailed in the news release.
The resignation has left many in the community wondering about the future of emergency services in St. Lawrence County. With the ongoing challenges posed by emergencies and disasters, the leadership of the emergency services department is more critical than ever. Residents are hopeful that the incoming director will build upon the existing framework and continue to enhance the county's emergency response effectiveness.
In the meantime, Deputy Director Rusaw is expected to ensure that operations continue smoothly during this transitional period. His experience and familiarity with the department will be essential as the county navigates the search for a new leader.
As the Board of Legislators prepares to launch the recruitment process, community members are encouraged to stay informed about developments within the emergency services department. The selection of the new director will be closely watched, as their leadership will significantly impact the county's emergency preparedness and response capabilities moving forward.
The resignation of Matthew Denner marks a pivotal moment for St. Lawrence County's emergency services, and the community is eager to see how the transition unfolds in the coming weeks.
