Kinash named Putnam deputy commissioner of Emergency Services 

Veteran firefighter, instructor and public servant Drew Kinash has been appointed deputy commissioner of the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services. 

The appointment, effective June 8, places Kinash in the bureau's second-highest position, where he will assist in overseeing emergency management, fire services, EMS operations and communications throughout the county. 

Kinash served as manager of the county's Fire Training Center, overseeing operations at the recently rebuilt facility. He has also been a Putnam County fire instructor since 1999, helping train firefighters from departments across the county. 

A longtime member of the emergency services community, Kinash previously served with the FDNY as both a firefighter and fire marshal. He responded to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and later served as chief of the Mahopac Volunteer Fire Department. 

"Drew Kinash has dedicated his life to public service and emergency response," County Executive Kevin Byrne said in announcing the appointment. "His leadership, experience and commitment to training and preparedness have already had a tremendous impact on Putnam County." 

Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Jim Oster said Kinash's combination of operational experience and instructional expertise made him a natural choice for the position. 

"He has been instrumental in the success of our Fire Training Center and has spent decades mentoring and training first responders," Oster said. "His knowledge, professionalism and calm leadership style will be a tremendous asset to the bureau and to the residents we serve." 

Kinash said he was honored by the appointment and eager to continue supporting the county's first responders. 

"Emergency services has 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," he said. 

Thomas Keck Jr., chair of the Putnam County Fire & EMS Advisory Board, also praised the appointment, citing Kinash's experience in both career and volunteer emergency services. 

"His background and dedication to the fire and EMS service make him an excellent choice for the Bureau of Emergency Services," Keck said. 

The Bureau of Emergency Services oversees countywide emergency management, fire and EMS coordination, emergency communications and training programs for first responders throughout Putnam County. 

Article provided by the County Executive’s Office