Byrne Sworn In As Putnam County Executive

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — Kevin Byrne was sworn in as Putnam County Executive Dec. 30 at Carmel High School’s Casey Hall.

The oath of office was administered by former Dutchess County Executive and current Congressman Marc Molinaro following a presentation of the colors by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadets, Carmel Troop 1 Boy Scouts (where Byrne earned the rank of Eagle Scout as a high school student), and the Putnam County Composite Squadron Civil Air Patrol. They were escorted in by a contingent of the Steven P. Driscoll Memorial Pipe Band (of which Byrne is a founding member) on the bagpipes. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by military veterans Karl Rhode (US Army, Ret), James Burpoe (US Army, Ret), and Byrne’s brother Christopher Byrne (US Air Force). The national anthem was sung by Putnam County Sheriff’s Cadet Veronika Bilinski, an invocation was given by Reverend Casey Carbone of First Presbyterian Church of Mahopac, and the benediction was given by Rabbi Sarah Freidson of Temple Beth Shalom of Mahopac.

A lifelong county resident, and graduate of Carmel High School, Byrne comes to the office after 3 terms of service as the county’s New York State Assemblyman.

"It has been an incredible honor to serve these past three terms as your state Assemblyman and know that I will look fondly back on my years as a state legislator serving the people of Putnam & Westchester counties," he said in a speech after being sworn in. "As your County Executive, I look forward to maintaining and building on those relationships I have acquired to make Putnam County’s representation even stronger with our newly elected and re-elected state representatives."

He said he knew Putnam County’s voice would be heard loud and clear at the federal level thanks to the Hudson Valley's red wave, which is sending former Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro and former Assemblyman Mike Lawler to Congress.

Molinaro administered the oath of office to Byrne.

Thank you to my friend, outgoing Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, or should I just say “Congressman”, for administering the oath of office," Byrne said. "It means so much to me that you’re here today. I first met Marc years before I first ran for elected office and he’s been a model public servant in village, state and county government. He’s done tremendous work for the people of Dutchess, just as I know we will do tremendous work for the people of Putnam."

He thanked his family, his staff and the people of Putnam County.

"I also want to thank our transition team, the committee that put this ceremony together, as well as our hosts: the great staff at the Carmel Central School District for opening their doors to us today. Superintendent Mary-Margaret Zehr, Building Head Brian Ward, and of course Braeden’s godfather who spent lots of time with me at this school over 20 years ago, Chris Stone," he said. "Conducting this ceremony in a place I grew up, where I called home and graduated from makes this moment truly special.

"Unlike many other speeches you may hear from me and other elected officials this is not a campaign speech, it’s not a press conference, a state of the county or a budget presentation," he said. "This is a special occasion to mark a new beginning with a new administration led by a new generation of leadership. This is a moment to show gratitude, to provide vision, instill confidence and lead."