McConville Memorial Substation Dedicated in Nelsonville

Members of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office join local law enforcement, government representatives, friends, and family at the dedication of the new Sheriff Kevin J. McConville Memorial Substation in Nelsonville last week.

An impassioned crowd of law enforcement officers, elected officials, family members, and friends gathered Aug. 20 to memorialize former Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville with the dedication of the Nelsonville substation of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office – now named the Sheriff Kevin J. McConville Memorial Substation.

“Kevin was more than our sheriff – he was a dedicated public servant, a respected law enforcement professional, a friend to so many, and a man who cared deeply about the community he called home,” said County Executive Kevin Byrne. “His steady leadership, integrity, and commitment to service left an impact that will be felt for many years to come.”

McConville passed Aug. 22, 2025, at the age of 68, after battling illness. He was a lifelong resident of Cold Spring and elected sheriff in 2021, as a Republican. The Putnam County Legislature unanimously voted in June to rename the substation in his honor.

The late sheriff’s relationships extended across party lines.

“I met Kevin when we were classmates at Marist University getting our degrees in criminal justice, and we stayed friends and colleagues dedicated to law enforcement ever since,” said State Sen. Robert Rolison, a Democrat, who presented McConville’s widow with a commendation.

Presiding over the ceremony was current Sheriff Brian Hess, who welcomed officers from his force and from the neighboring Cold Spring Village Police Department, as well as county and local elected officials.

“Now, no one will forget this man who did so much for his hometown and his community,” said Legislator Tommy Regan.

McConville graduated from Haldane High School in 1975 and received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marist University. In 1982, he married his high school sweetheart, Janice (née Brigati), and together they raised three children – Ryan, Kylie, and Ilana – in the same house he grew up in.

Under his leadership as sheriff, McConville improved working conditions for the men and women of his department by implementing safer, more efficient, and appropriate services such as a new records management system and a new jail management system.

He ensured that a radio communication system, which was years in the making, went into effect and obtained new vehicles for officers. He routinely worked with schools and leadership teams to keep students and faculty safe, and partnered with local mental health and domestic violence organizations to provide support, services, and resources for those in need.

In December 2024, the sheriff’s department achieved Division of Criminal Justice Services state accreditation in law enforcement – a major achievement and benefit to residents. In addition, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office Response Team also met the standards for SWAT Team Certification.

McConville was a trustee of the New York State Sheriffs Association, a lifelong member of the NYS Association of Chiefs of Police, the NYS Fraternal Order of Police, Stephen P. Driscoll Lodge 704, the Hudson Valley 10-13 Association, Knights of Columbus Council 36318, and the Brewster Elks Lodge 2101.