CARMEL – A Putnam County fire instructor for more than quarter century, former Mahopac fire chief and retired fire marshal for the Fire Department of New York Drew Kinash is the new number two man in the Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services.
County Executive Kevin Byrne appointed him on Thursday, effective June 8.
Byrne called Kinash a man whose “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.”
Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner James Oster was pleased to have Kinash on board. “Drew’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. 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 “grateful for the opportunity to serve as deputy commissioner. Emergency services have 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., chair of the Putnam County Fire and 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.
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