Byrne Picks Deputy To Head Putnam's Emergency Services Bureau

Editor's Note: After this article was published, Patch received this statement from Christopher Formisano, Director of Communications for the Putnam County Executive:

"We recognize that was a serious concern after the previous Commissioner and County Executive signed the contract. However, to date that has not come to fruition. The contract with Ambulnz has not resulted in higher fees for any municipalities or residents in Putnam County."

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne has nominated Robert "Bob" Lipton to the post of Commissioner of the Bureau of Emergency Services. Lipton has been serving as Interim Commissioner since Byrne took office.

"The Bureau has been in excellent hands since Bob took over on an interim basis for us back in January. He’s impressed everyone with his work ethic, professionalism, and ability to lead our Emergency Services team during a time of transition," Byrne said in an announcement about his pick.

Lipton’s nomination must be confirmed by a full vote of the Putnam County Legislature where it requires support by a two-thirds majority according to the Putnam County Charter.

"I’m sure we’ll have no issues getting his position confirmed at our next meeting," Legislator Ginny Nacerino said. "Bob Lipton’s been an incredible resource and source of support for the residents of our county. ... We had a lot of really great applicants for the position, and I was genuinely impressed by some, but Bob stood out."

The selection committee included Nacerino, who chairs the Legislature's Protective Services Committee; Deputy County Executive Jim Burpoe; Director of Personnel Paul Eldridge, and six other emergency service professionals from the county.

In January, Lipton replaced Kenneth Clair, who became commissioner in 2017 and left with the outgoing administration of former County Executive MaryEllen Odell. Clair incurred the wrath of local ambulance corps and local officials in 2021 when he oversaw a controversial county contract with a new ambulance service that put more of the financial burden on municipalities and patients. SEE: Putnam's New Ambulance Service Will Raise Local Costs

Lipton has served as Deputy Commissioner of BES under three different commissioners since 2013.

Now that role will be filled by John “Ralph” Falloon, a current BES employee and longtime career firefighter from the Stamford Fire Department. Deputy Commissioner Falloon also possesses decades of experience in the volunteer fire service in Cold Spring, where he also served as fire chief.

"I’m also excited to announce that Ralph Falloon has accepted Commissioner Lipton and my offer to serve as Deputy Commissioner," Byrne said. "Ralph brings a wealth of knowledge and experience about emergency services and management, from both inside and outside Putnam County, to our team. Putnam residents can rest assured our emergency services will be strong for years to come."

Lipton had been Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau since 2013 where he was instrumental in revitalizing the Fire Advisory Board, developing the county’s technical rescue team, and the consolidation of the 911 Center. He also served as the acting commissioner of the bureau as the previous administration recruited and ultimately selected Clair.

He is a longtime member and past chief of the Carmel Fire Department and a past captain of the town's ambulance corps.

Lipton served as an adjunct professor at Mercy College, training students in Homeland Security defense strategies. His extensive private sector experience also includes time spent at IBM Semiconductor Research and Development Center, Schein Pharmaceuticals and Barden Corporation. Lipton has a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership degree from Marist College and a Masters of Science in Organizational Leadership from Mercy.

"I’m honored to be able to continue the work with the great team we’ve built at the Bureau over the past decade," Lipton said. "I’m committed to providing the best possible services to our residents, and working with our emergency services partners in the community, and at all levels of government to prepare for and respond to any emergency. Thank you to County Executive Byrne for the opportunity to serve the people of Putnam in this new role."