Dutchess County is looking for a commissioner of its sprawling Department of Emergency Response. The new hire will be tasked with overseeing an EMS system facing pervasive challenges from a depleted, underpaid workforce to municipalities burdened with skyrocketing ambulance costs.
The search began two months ago, when Dana Smith announced his resignation effective Dec. 31, 2024. According to a county press release, the 18-year veteran stepped down to “pursue other opportunities.”
Colleen Pillus, Dutchess County communications director, told the Herald that applications for the position are being accepted through the end of the year.
The county’s posting lists a salary of $122,591 to $150,217 and an extensive inventory of “typical work activities.” Minimum qualifications include residency in Dutchess County, a bachelor’s degree in business, public administration or a related field and eight years of supervisory experience “over multiple subordinate levels [of] emergency service […] or in law enforcement.”
According to Pillus, a seven-member search committee — made up of current and former first responders, health industry professionals and elected officials — will review applications and conduct interviews. Once the final candidate is chosen, a resolution confirming the appointment must be approved by the Legislature. Pillus said the goal is to finalize the selection early in the new year.
During his tenure, Smith oversaw the 911 Communications Center, whose dispatchers handle nearly 200,000 emergency calls annually; managed weather disasters, coordinating with FEMA in the aftermath of hurricanes Irene and Sandy; and organized first responder training and emergency preparedness public education.
In facing the EMS crisis, Smith proposed a stopgap supplemental plan to provide county-funded ambulances to towns in greatest need and solicited input from professional ambulance companies. By the time Smith resigned, the state Legislature had approved six proposed bills in a “Rescue EMS” package, two of which were signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in September. (The laws, sponsored by State Sen. Michelle Hinchey of the 41st District, impact insurance reimbursement and on-site treatment by EMS.)
Interim commissioner Shawn Castano, a former emergency management officer for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and graduate of FEMA’s Basic Academy, has quickly taken charge since his appointment on Oct. 8.
At a Dec. 5 presentation to the county Legislature’s Public Safety Committee, Castano outlined the strategy to implement the supplemental EMS plan proposed by Smith. “Two ambulance providers [are interested],” Castano said. “We have an agreement in principle with Empress, and we’re still in negotiations with Ambulanz.”
The plan includes two full-time basic life support ambulances and an advanced life support fly car — a non-transporting emergency vehicle — for underserved communities in the 825-square mile county. “We’re looking to use them in areas where additional coverage is needed until a long-term solution is developed,” Castano said.
The pilot program is projected to cost $1.7 to $1.8 million, nearly all of the $2 million allocated for EMS services in County Executive Sue Serino’s 2025 budget, which was approved on Dec. 9. “The DCER will meet regularly with town officials [in 2025] to review the supplemental ambulance use,” said Castano.
Castano also proposed other measures to the Legislature, including a partnership with Dutchess Community College to create a “pipeline to jobs program” to bolster dwindling EMS personnel; a 2025 public education campaign to explain appropriate 911 use; and meetings with town officials to encourage cost-sharing between municipalities.
Neither Smith nor Castano replied to requests for comment from the Herald.
