CARMEL, NY - Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has announced the appointment of Drew Kinash as Deputy Commissioner of the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services, effective June 8.

Kinash currently serves as the Bureau’s Fire Training Center Manager, overseeing operations at the County’s newly rebuilt, state-of-the-art Fire Training Center. He has also served as a Putnam County Fire Instructor since 1999, helping train generations of firefighters across the county.

 A longtime public servant, Kinash previously served with the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) as both a firefighter and fire marshal and responded to the September 11th terrorist attacks. He is also the former Chief of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department.

 “Drew Kinash has dedicated his life to public service and emergency response,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “His leadership, experience, and commitment to training and preparedness have already had a tremendous impact on Putnam County. Drew understands the importance of supporting our firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and emergency management professionals, and I am confident he will excel in this new leadership role.”

 Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Jim Oster said Kinash’s decades of operational and instructional experience make him uniquely qualified for the position.

 “Drew has earned the respect of the emergency services community throughout Putnam County and beyond,” said Commissioner Oster. “He has been instrumental in the success of our Fire Training Center and has spent decades mentoring and training first responders. His knowledge, professionalism, and calm leadership style will be a tremendous asset to the Bureau and to the residents we serve.”

Kinash said he is honored to take on the role and continue serving the county’s first responder community.

“I’m grateful to County Executive Byrne and Commissioner Oster for the opportunity to serve as Deputy Commissioner,” said Kinash. “Emergency services has been my life’s work, and I look forward to continuing to support the dedicated firefighters, EMS providers, dispatchers, and emergency personnel who protect Putnam County every day. We have an outstanding team at the Bureau of Emergency Services, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.”Thomas Keck Jr., Chairman of the Putnam County Fire & EMS Advisory Board, praised the appointment and Kinash’s longstanding leadership.

“Drew brings the right combination of both career and volunteer emergency services experience to this position, along with a strong passion for training, education, and supporting first responders throughout the county. His background and dedication to the fire and EMS service make him an excellent choice for the Bureau of Emergency Services,” said Keck. “The Fire & EMS Advisory Board looks forward to working closely with him and continuing to strengthen emergency services throughout Putnam County. We are confident that Drew will do his very best to support the agencies that proudly serve Putnam County, as well as the residents who depend on those services every day.”