County Commissioner of Emergency Services Resigns

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. -- Westchester’s Commissioner of Emergency Services resigned Tuesday, County Executive Robert Astorino announced.

Anthony “Tony” Sutton resignation takes effect at midnight Aug. 20.

Sutton said he was "grateful" to have served as the leader of the Department of Emergency Services since 2003.

"There is no question that today the citizens of Westchester County are more safe and better protected as a result of everything that I and my team have been able to accomplish during my 11 years with the county," Sutton said in a statement from the county executive's office.

Sutton, who was not available for comment, began working for the Department of Emergency Services in 2000 as Deputy Commissioner. Former County Executive Andrew Spano, a Democrat, appointed Sutton to Commissioner in 2003.

County Executive Robert Astorino, a Republican, said Sutton helped upgrade Westchester's emergency prevention efforts in the aftermath of 9/11.

"The residents of this county are safer today thanks to Tony’s dedication and knowledge," Astorino said in a statement. "He has been our go-to person for all kinds of emergencies, including Indian Point, tropical storms, floods, fires and blizzards."

Astorino said the current Deputy Commissioner and Fire Coordinator John Cullen will serve as the acting commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services, which has a $10.1 million budget. 

“John Cullen is an outstanding professional with an extensive background, particularly with fire services and public safety,” Astorino said in a statement. “I have full confidence in his judgment and ability to deal with emergencies as they occur.”

Have you followed Anthony Sutton's work? Do you think he was an effective leader of the Department of Emergency Services? Does Sutton resigning concern you? Email thoughts to strangle@thedailywhiteplains.com and we'll include responses in future coverage.

 

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