Summertime means different things to different people, but we can all agree summer brings trips to the beach and swimming. Importantly, swimmers need to know the water is safe for a dip. That is where Environmental Health Services Aide Chris Brady comes in. Keep reading to learn about Chris and her vital work at the Putnam County Department of Health. 

What is your favorite part of working at the health department? 

My co-workers and my job afford me to be outside most of the day. I love being out in the fresh air and walking. 

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share? 

Yes. Being a part of the “PODs,” or point-of-distribution centers when we gave out vaccines during the COVID epidemic. It made me feel like part of history. I also like the fact that I could help and be part of the team.  

What does your day-to-day work look like? 

I start my day around 8 a.m. packing up my water sample bottles and my list of places I need to go. I visit restaurants and delis throughout the year, and beaches in the summer. I take samples from various places, document, and fill out change of custody forms. I send everything to a lab and get results about two days later. 

What do you wish the public knew about your job? 

How much work really goes into being a part of a team that truly cares about our community and keeping it safe. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?  

Ask for help if you need it. Everyone I work with is always willing to help each other. And in helping, you can also learn. We are all in this together. 

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career? 

Don’t take anything for granted. Always follow-up.  

While nobody, especially Chris, wants to close a beach, closures can happen over the summer due to harmful algal blooms or elevated bacteria levels. Water program staff will work with the beach operator to help determine when a closed beach can be reopened safely. A list of current public beach closures is available on the health department website at www.putnamcountyny.com/health/beaches.