Christopher Shields started his tenure last week as the new director of emergency management in the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services. He brings with him 20 years of experience as a special agent in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and six years as a U.S. Capitol Police special agent.
Shields assumed his duties Feb. 13, 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 EMS Commissioner Bob Lipton in managing the response efforts on his first day.
“Christopher Shields brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of director of emergency management,” said Lipton. “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.”
“We are fortunate to have someone of Christopher Shields’ caliber join our team,” added County Executive Kevin Byrne. “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 U.S. Capitol Police, will be invaluable to our team as it takes on new responsibilities and challenges in emergency management planning and response.”
Shields shared his enthusiasm over being selected for the role, which had been vacant.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Sheriff Kevin McConville called Shields 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,” said McConville. “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’s Emergency Operations Center, which serves as the central hub for coordinating, communicating, and sharing resources during emergencies.