CARMEL, NY – Earlier this week, Christopher Shields started his tenure as the new Director of Emergency Management in the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services. Shields, bringing with him 20 years of experience as a Special Agent in the US Department of Homeland Security and 6 years as a US Capitol Police Special Agent, steps into a pivotal role that has been vacant.

Shields assumed his duties on Tuesday, February 13th, coinciding with a significant snowstorm that saw nearly a foot of snow in Putnam County. Undeterred by the challenging weather, Shields jumped in and played a significant role working side-by-side with Emergency Services Commissioner Bob Lipton in managing the response efforts on his very first day.

County Executive Kevin Byrne expressed his confidence in Shields, stating, "We are fortunate to have someone of Christopher Shields' caliber join our team. His extensive experience and immediate involvement in assisting with our recent snowstorm demonstrates his commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents. His diverse emergency services background, including his time with the United States’ Capitol Police, will be invaluable to our team as it takes on new responsibilities and challenges in emergency management planning and response."

Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville stated, “Chris Shields is a consummate professional with a deep understanding of emergency management. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing him for many years, and his dedication to public safety is unmatched. His appointment is a significant asset to Putnam County.”

As the Director of Emergency Management, Shields will play a critical role in ensuring the county is well-prepared to handle large-scale emergencies. This includes the development of a comprehensive emergency management plan and the activation and operation of the County Emergency Operations Center, which serves as the central hub for coordinating, communicating, and sharing resources during emergencies.

Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Robert Lipton welcomed Shields, saying, "Christopher Shields brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of Director of Emergency Management. His background in federal law enforcement and emergency response will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our county's emergency preparedness and response capabilities."

Christopher Shields shared his enthusiasm for the new role, saying, "I am honored to join Putnam County as the Director of Emergency Management. My career in federal law enforcement has provided me with the skills and experience necessary to contribute to the safety and security of the community. I look forward to working collaboratively with our dedicated emergency services team to ensure the county is well-prepared for any challenges that may arise."

The appointment of Shields reflects Putnam County's commitment to maintaining a strong and capable emergency management team, ready to respond effectively to the needs of the community.