Putnam Mourns Loss of Sheriff Kevin McConville

The late Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville.

By Holly Crocco

Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville passed away the morning of Aug. 22 at his home in his bed with his family by his side. He was 68 years old.

“Kevin dedicated his life to public service, most recently as one of Putnam County’s top law enforcement officials,” said Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne. “He served with integrity, courage, fairness, and an unwavering commitment to the community he loved.”

McConville faced his long illness with the same strength and dignity that marked his career, according to Byrne.

“Even during the most difficult times, his focus was always on the safety and well-being of others,” he said. “On behalf of all of Putnam County, I extend my deepest condolences to Kevin’s family, friends, colleagues, and the men and women of the sheriff’s department. He will be greatly missed.”

McConville was sworn into office Dec. 30, 2021, after having defeated former Sheriff Robert Langley in that year’s election. It was his third run for sheriff, having run in 2009 as a Democrat and in the 2013 primary as a Republican.

“You’re going to see a significant change in the professionalism of the law enforcement of Putnam County,” he pledged during his swearing-in ceremony.

While he had initially intended to run for re-election this November, McConville withdrew that bid earlier this year due to failing health.

“A lifelong resident of Putnam County, as sheriff he worked diligently to improve the working conditions for the men and women of the department so they could better serve the residents of the county,” reads a statement issued by the department. “His accomplishments included achieving DCJS state accreditation in law enforcement, obtaining a new records management system, improving radio communication systems to greatly reduce areas of poor reception, and obtaining newer vehicles.”

McConville had more than three decades of law enforcement experience, having started his career as a Cold Spring police officer before working for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department.

During his 30-year tenure at the MTA, rising through the ranks from patrolman to chief of police, he created the Interagency Counter Terrorism Team, working with the FBI and members of the Joint Terrorist Task Force to ensure the safety of commuters, including those using the Metro-North Railroad.

He worked during the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and served as chief during the London and Madrid bombings on their commuter transport system, implementing plans and responses in incident reduction and management. 

Additionally, he served as a member of the Governor’s Homeland Security Team and developed and implemented plans and strategies to prevent bombings on commuter rail systems, like the ones in London and Madrid.

McConville also served as director of security and emergency management services for New York Presbyterian-Hudson Valley Hospital.

He is a prior chairman of the Philipstown Republican Committee.

“Sheriff McConville devoted his life to serving others with integrity, courage, and compassion,” stated the sheriff’s department. “Our hearts are heavy as we stand with the McConville family, but we will honor his legacy with pride and continue the mission that we have to serve and protect Putnam County.”

McConville is survived by his wife of 43 years, Janice; his son, Ryan (Megan) McConville; his daughters Kylie (“Z”) and Ilana (Andrew) McConville; his grandchildren Bennett and Reagan McConville; and his brothers Ronnie (Diane) McConville and Dickie (Carol Ann) McConville.

Friends and family may call Tuesday, Aug. 26 from 4 to 8 p.m., at Clinton Funeral Home, 21 Parrott St., Cold Spring. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday ,Aug. 27 at 11 a.m., at Our Lady of Loretto Church, 24 Fair St., Cold Spring. Interment will follow in Cold Spring Cemetery.

Condolences came flooding in last week from various agencies and individuals across the county – and beyond.

Andres Gil, chairman of the Putnam County Republican Committee, called McConville “a true leader, professional, and great man. You will be missed tremendously,” he said. “Many prayers for the McConville family. Till Valhalla.”

With McConville’s death, the Republican Party has 10 days to file a certificate with the Board of Elections naming a new candidate for the November election.

There is no Democratic candidate, but Larry Burke, a Cold Spring police officer, is running as an independent candidate.