Commentary
As winter officially transitions to spring this week, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air here in Orange County. With the cold of winter (hopefully!) behind us, the promise of longer, warmer, and (again, hopefully) sunnier days ahead has everyone buzzing.
I appreciate every season as it unfolds in the county and the unique offerings of each, but spring is special. The rebirth of nature, the greening of lawns, the budding trees, and the sounds of bats cracking and bands playing as we spend more time outdoors all make this time of year invigorating. It’s a moment to reflect on what makes Orange County so unique and look forward to the fun that comes with the changing weather.
Here are a few notable events from the final days of (official) winter:I had the opportunity to attend the Orange County Cybersecurity Summit, which was incredibly well-organized, enlightening, and informative. The event brought together experts, leaders, and professionals who shared valuable insights on safeguarding our community in an increasingly digital world. Every presentation was packed with knowledge that will play a crucial role in strengthening our county’s cybersecurity efforts.
As we all know, one of the most critical aspects of cybersecurity is ensuring confidentiality—especially during a cyber incident. As county executive, I strive to balance transparency with the necessity of protecting sensitive information.
At the summit, I had the chance to ask some of the most knowledgeable minds in the field about best practices for maintaining confidentiality during these critical situations, ensuring all the facts are clear before making decisions. This is a challenge we face in the modern age, where information moves rapidly, and decisions must be made with precision and care.
I extend my heartfelt thanks to Glenn Marchi, our chief information officer, and his entire Information Technology team, who were instrumental in organizing and executing this successful event. Their hard work and dedication to enhancing our county’s cybersecurity infrastructure were evident throughout the summit. Marchi and his team are the backbone of our efforts to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, and I am grateful for their expertise and commitment.
Another essential aspect of security is crisis management. Last week, Orange County’s department heads received hands-on emergency management training from one of our very own crisis experts, Shannon Fisher, who works with Orange County Emergency Services. This specialized training is critical during emergencies, where every minute counts, and the decisions made in those first moments can have lasting impacts.
When disaster strikes—whether it’s a natural event like a severe storm or a manmade incident such as an accident—our county leaders must be prepared to act swiftly and efficiently. Our emergency response protocols must be well-informed and immediately actionable. This training goes beyond knowing what to do; it equips our Orange County team to make quick, effective decisions, ensuring we respond rapidly and efficiently to any challenge we might face.
The training ensures that our department heads understand the complexities of managing a crisis. Together, we are learning how to navigate high-stress situations, communicate effectively with the public and each other, and maintain essential services even amid unexpected challenges. It’s not just about immediate response; it’s about ensuring our community continues to function smoothly, even during uncertain times.
Your safety, well-being, and peace of mind are always our top priorities. Rest assured, the Orange County government is fully committed and prepared to respond with speed, efficiency, and expertise, no matter the situation.
On the topic of emergency services, I am excited to announce the appointment of Richard L. Willey Jr. as the new deputy commissioner of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). With more than 25 years of experience in EMS, Willey’s leadership and expertise will be invaluable in strengthening our EMS operations. His dedication to high-quality care and proven ability to lead in critical situations will enhance our services and ensure we remain responsive and ready to serve the community.
I look forward to the positive impact he will have on the safety and well-being of our residents.
Finally, I had the pleasure of attending the Town of Wallkill’s St. Patrick’s Day Senior Luncheon, which was a wonderful experience! A heartfelt thank-you goes out to the incredible organizers who put together such a warm and welcoming event for our senior community. It was evident how much thought and care went into making this luncheon a special occasion for those who have contributed so much to our county over the years.
Get outside and enjoy the first week of spring—perhaps I will see you around the county!
