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The announcement was made by County Executive MaryEllen Odell towards the end of her State of the County address on Thursday. Odell's address, delivered before a packed crowd at Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac, touched on topics including financials, fighting substance abuse and helping veterans.
Sutton, who lives in Somers, has a background that includes having worked as a deputy director for New York State's Office of Emergency Management and as Westchester County's commissioner of Emergency Services. He also has paramedic experience, and continues to ride as a parademic supervisor in Port Chester.
“It’s a great honor,” he told local reporters about his selection.
Speaking at her address, Odell recalled that a committee of stakeholders conducted a search process and began in January.
The committee, according to a Friday press release from Odell's office, included Shawn Keeler of the Fire Chiefs Association, Albert Jacobs of the Emergency Services Safety Advisory Board; Rick Tofte of the Fire Advisory Board; Mike Moculski of the Emergency Services Council; Patterson Town Board member Peter Dandreano; Member-at-Large Vincent Roberto Jr.; Member-at-Large Ed McCarthy; County Legislator William Gouldman; and County Personnel Officer Paul Eldridge, who was chairman.
Odell, who noted that the committee members put more than 20 into the search, said at her address, “I’m very, very grateful that they were able to work collaboratively and collectively.”
The county executive had more to say in a press release sent out on Friday.
“This was an unprecedented process of selection,” Odell said in a statement. “After I called my January 10th meeting of all emergency services personnel to explain the status of the commissioner position, I basically stepped aside and asked the stakeholders to form their own Search Committee. By doing so, they would have a very real voice in selecting their next commissioner. “
Thirty-seven candidates applied, according to Odell's office, and the committee narrowed the list down to five finalists, who were interviewed by Odell, Eldridge and Deputy County Executive Bruce Walker. The decision to choose Sutton for the post was made on Tuesday night, according to Odell's office.
Sutton appointment is subject to confirmation by the county's Legislature. Approval is needed from two-thirds of legislators, according to Odell's office.
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