In the wake of the retirement of Putnam County Undersheriff Thomas Lindert, Brian Hess, commanding officer and founder of the Westchester-Putnam Real Time Crime Center, has been named his successor.
Hess was sworn in to the post on Wednesday, Aug. 13. As undersheriff, he will oversee the daily operations of the Sheriff’s Office and assist in directing law enforcement, corrections, and administrative functions.
Hess is a veteran law enforcement leader with more than 25 years of experience.
The Real Time Crime Center, which Hess helped found, connects more than 65 agencies across the Tri-State and New England region, enabling real-time intelligence sharing among more than 5,500 vetted members of law enforcement.
According to Sheriff Kevin McConville, Hess has led multi-agency task forces, developed cost-effective public safety technologies, and coordinated large-scale mutual aid operations. In his role at the Real Time Crime Center, Hess worked closely with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, from deputies to command staff, for many years.
McConville said he had full confidence in Hess’s ability to step into the role of undersheriff, noting his proven leadership, operational expertise, and strong working relationships within the agency.
“I am honored by Sheriff McConville’s trust in appointing me as undersheriff,” Hess said. “I look forward to working with the sheriff, our dedicated staff, and our community partners to uphold the highest standards of public safety for the residents of Putnam County.”
Hess’s career highlights include:
Led a multi-agency task force of over 180 investigators
Developed cost-effective, nationally recognized public safety technologies
Co-founder of the region's first pursuit mitigation program
"My heart is here in Putnam County. My wife and I have lived in Patterson for more than 10 years, raising our six children in this great community,” Hess said. “I believe Putnam County deserves [someone] who combines boots-on-the-ground experience with a forward-thinking approach to modern policing. I am committed to strengthening our local law enforcement agencies, enhancing school safety, and ensuring every resident feels secure and protected."
McConville also had praise for Lindert as the former undersheriff heads into retirement.
“Tom has been a dedicated public servant and a valued member of our leadership team,” he said. “His professionalism, integrity, and commitment to the people of Putnam County have been exemplary. We wish him and his family the very best as he focuses on personal matters that require his attention.”
Hess’s appointment is significant because although McConville, a Republican, remains on the ballot for November’s general election, he announced in June that he is abandoning his re-election campaign and, if elected, he will not be able to serve due to an undisclosed illness. The job would then be passed to Undersheriff Hess.
McConville is not running unopposed. He will face former officer-in-charge of the Cold Spring Police Department Larry Burke, who is running as an independent.
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