Putnam County Sheriff McConville dies

CARMEL, N.Y. — Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville died early Friday morning, Aug. 22, after a long illness. He was 68.

The Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, “It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Sheriff Kevin McConville, who passed away earlier this morning at his home with his loving family by his side. Arrangements will be forthcoming; at this time, we ask that you keep the sheriff and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Read Sheriff McConville's obituary

The statement said McConville worked to improve “the working conditions for the men and women of the department so they could better serve the residents of the county.”

“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,” the statement read. “Sheriff McConville devoted his life to serving others with integrity, courage and compassion. 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 was elected sheriff in November 2021, defeating incumbent Sheriff Robert Langley, and took office in January 2022. He brought more than 30 years of law enforcement experience, beginning with the Cold Spring Police Department before joining the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department, where he rose to the rank of chief.

As chief, McConville created the Interagency Counter Terrorism Team, working with the FBI and members of the Joint Terrorism Task Force. He also served on the governor’s Homeland Security Team and helped develop strategies to prevent bombings on commuter rail systems.

He was in New York City during the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and assisted in the MTAPD response. He later served as director of security and emergency management services for NewYork-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital.

McConville earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marist College, where he served as a consultant to the Criminal Justice Curriculum Advisory Board.

Bob Buckley, McConville’s campaign manager, described him as “a great man who loved his family who took pride in serving the residents of Putnam County as our sheriff.”

“He was a phenomenal man and well-respected,” Buckley said. “He loved the community and loved being sheriff, in addition to loving his family immensely.”

State Sen. Pete Harckham said he was saddened to learn of McConville’s death.

“He was a dedicated public servant and a highly respected member of the Putnam County community, committed to protecting our residents and supporting his fellow law enforcement professionals,” Harckham said. “It was an honor to work alongside such an experienced and principled leader in service to the people of Putnam. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Recently appointed Undersheriff Brian Hess will now serve as acting sheriff. McConville’s name remains on the ballot for the November election, but County Election Commissioner Cathy Croft said the Republican Committee still has time to nominate a new candidate because ballots will not be certified by the state until Sept. 10.