Ontario County, NY – Community Mourns the Loss of Jeff Harloff, Respected Emergency Services Leader
Ontario County, New York – A wave of mourning has swept across Ontario County as news spread of the passing of Jeff Harloff, the county’s former Emergency Management Coordinator, who dedicated decades of his life to serving and protecting the public. After a courageous and extended battle with illness, Harloff’s passing marks the close of a remarkable chapter in the region’s public safety leadership, one defined by unwavering dedication, compassion, and resilience.
Known to many as a steady presence in times of crisis and a mentor to those in the field, Harloff’s legacy is one rooted in service, community, and preparedness. As word of his death reached current and former colleagues, civic leaders, and emergency personnel, tributes began pouring in from across New York and beyond.
A Life of Service
Jeff Harloff’s career in emergency services spanned decades, during which he became a trusted leader not only in Ontario County but throughout the broader emergency management community across the state. Known for his calm demeanor, operational excellence, and deep knowledge of crisis response, Harloff was often one of the first people called when the county faced storms, disasters, or large-scale emergencies.
He was instrumental in helping Ontario County navigate a wide range of incidents—from severe weather responses and hazardous material containment to large public event coordination and multi-agency training drills. His approach was never just about preparedness; it was about people. Those who worked alongside him often noted his ability to blend strategy with empathy, ensuring both systems and individuals were cared for in every emergency scenario.
Colleagues described him as a “quiet force” in a field that often demands quick decisions and cool heads. Whether managing a logistics command center or speaking with local residents after a disaster, Harloff exemplified leadership rooted in service.
A Respected Mentor and Teacher
Throughout his career, Jeff Harloff was more than an emergency manager—he was a mentor and educator to the next generation of first responders and crisis professionals. He routinely offered training sessions, participated in community safety programs, and supported young professionals entering the public safety sector.
Those who had the privilege to learn from him often speak of his willingness to share knowledge without ego, to listen more than he spoke, and to offer guidance even long after a training session ended. “If you had a question, Jeff would find the time to answer it,” said one local EMT. “He never treated you like you were bothering him. He treated every interaction like it mattered.”
His mentorship also extended to collaboration with county leadership, fire departments, law enforcement, and healthcare professionals. He was a key connector between agencies, always focused on building relationships and strengthening the region’s collective ability to respond to emergencies.
Guiding the County Through Crisis
One of the most defining periods of Harloff’s leadership came during Ontario County’s public health and safety efforts related to statewide emergencies, such as weather disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. His ability to remain focused under pressure became a cornerstone of the county’s emergency response capabilities.
During those critical times, Harloff worked tirelessly to organize communication between departments, coordinate the delivery of essential resources, and ensure that the public remained informed and supported. He was frequently seen at command briefings, press conferences, and logistics meetings, helping others understand and adapt to rapidly evolving challenges.
“He was always the calm in the storm,” said one county administrator. “You always felt like things were going to be okay when Jeff was in the room.”
A Personal Loss Felt Widely
While his professional achievements were considerable, the sorrow felt by those who knew him personally has been especially profound. Friends and family describe Jeff Harloff as humble, generous, and deeply loyal. He was a man of strong principles, steady routines, and quiet acts of kindness.
Outside of his professional role, Harloff was known for his love of the outdoors, his support of local sports and events, and his deep appreciation for the community he called home. He often attended volunteer fundraisers, supported fire department open houses, and could be found speaking with neighbors at local gatherings.
His departure leaves a void that cannot easily be filled. The sense of community that Harloff helped foster—one rooted in trust, readiness, and mutual support—will endure, but many say it will never be quite the same.
Remembering a Legacy
In the days following his passing, tributes began to appear across social media and local news outlets, celebrating Harloff’s contributions and the impact he made. Ontario County officials released a formal statement honoring his decades of service, calling him “a foundational pillar in the county’s emergency preparedness efforts.”
Local fire departments and emergency services teams have also honored him, with vehicles displaying black mourning bands and flags flying at half-staff. Memorial signs have been placed at stations across the region, and several agencies are planning tribute processions to honor Harloff’s legacy.
Community members have shared stories online about how Harloff supported them during difficult times—whether it was during natural disasters or personal crises. One resident shared how Harloff helped their family during a house fire: “He didn’t just show up to coordinate. He stood with us afterward. He helped us find shelter, offered reassurance, and made sure we weren’t forgotten.”
Plans for Memorial and Recognition
As the community continues to process the loss, plans are underway to honor Jeff Harloff’s life and legacy through formal memorial events. A public service is expected to be held in Ontario County, allowing local leaders, emergency personnel, and residents to pay their respects.
There have also been early discussions among public safety officials about dedicating a facility or training center in his honor—something many feel would be a fitting tribute to his life’s work. “Jeff taught us how to be ready for anything,” said one fire chief. “Dedicating a part of our preparedness infrastructure in his name just makes sense.”
Meanwhile, family members have asked for privacy as they mourn, though they expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of support from across the state. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to local emergency services programs or the county’s volunteer fire associations—two causes close to Harloff’s heart.
Lessons from a Life Well Lived
In reflecting on Jeff Harloff’s life, many are drawing inspiration from the principles he lived by: service without expectation, humility in leadership, and a constant readiness to help others, even in the most difficult moments.
His work reminds us that public safety is not just about managing disasters—it’s about building trust, being prepared, and making sure no one faces crisis alone. Harloff was a steward of those ideals, and though he is no longer here to lead, his lessons will continue to shape Ontario County’s emergency services for generations to come.
Final Thoughts
Ontario County is saying goodbye to more than a former Emergency Management Coordinator—it is saying goodbye to a beloved mentor, a protector, and a quiet hero. Jeff Harloff’s passing is a loss deeply felt by all who knew him, yet his influence remains embedded in the community he served so faithfully.
As emergency sirens continue to sound, as calls are dispatched, and as responders train and prepare for the unexpected, they do so with the knowledge that they are standing on the shoulders of someone who gave his all to ensure their safety and success.
And so, with heavy hearts, Ontario County mourns—but it also remembers. And in that remembrance, Jeff Harloff’s legacy lives on.
