Wednesday, August 3, 2022 / Carmel, NY – The list of endorsements for Kevin Byrne’s Putnam County Executive campaign continues to grow with addition of the strong local endorsement from the men and women of the Putnam County Sheriff’s Dept. Police Benevolent Association (PBA).
The PBA has a proud long history of representing deputy sheriffs who serve the county, but their decision to endorse a candidate for Putnam County Executive is extremely rare. In fact, this is their first endorsement for this particular elected office in recent memory, if ever.
PBA President Thomas Varbero cited Byrne’s “track record” and his ”long history supporting police and military along with his actions, not just words” for their decision to endorse his candidacy.
Byrne thanked the men and women of the Putnam Sheriff’s Office for their endorsement, “Long before my involvement in politics or public office, I had a strong appreciation for our brave police officers. This appreciation was instilled in me by life mentors like the late James O’Neill (retired NYPD) and numerous others,” said Byrne, “Throughout my time in the Assembly I worked to make myself available to listen to police officers’ concerns and be their voice in Albany. While the elected office I now seek is substantially different from the Assembly, my appreciation for their work has not changed. I thank the members of the Putnam Sheriff’s Dept. PBA for their endorsement, and as always, I thank them for their service in keeping our Putnam County families safe.”
A letter announcing the endorsement to Byrne can be read below in full.
“It is my pleasure to inform you that the Putnam County Sheriff’s PBA has voted to formally endorse your candidacy to serve as our next Putnam County Executive.
Since first elected in 2016, you have consistently demonstrated a true and sincere effort to listen to and work with all members of law enforcement. As a former first responder, serving as both a volunteer firefighter and EMT, you worked and served with members of law enforcement gaining personal experience which we believe helps you understand the crucial contributions all of our first responders make, especially our brothers and sisters in blue. Your ties to the community, our members and their families is greatly appreciated and your work has not gone unnoticed.
Over the past several years we have been forced to face many challenges due to the action of various governing bodies including the New York State Legislature and its political leaders, but you have consistently been one of the most reliable voices in favor of public safety and the rule of law, looking out for our members’ interests and by extension the people we protect and serve.
It is based on those experiences that we trust in your leadership and decision making capabilities to help us move our beautiful Putnam County forward in a positive direction that respects both its taxpayers and public employees, and that always stands up for our men and women in law enforcement.
Congratulations on your many early successes with your campaign. We look forward to encouraging all our members and their loved ones to vote for you this upcoming November.” PCSD PBA President Thomas Varbero
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Kevin Byrne is the unopposed Republican & Conservative Party Candidate for Putnam County Executive and is the current New York State Assemblyman for the 94th Assembly District representing portions of Putnam and northern Westchester. He serves as the ranking member on the Assembly Health Committee and chairs the Assembly Minority Conference’s Program Committee.
He previously worked in healthcare administration at NY’s largest private multi-specialty medical group and served as a regional director for the American Heart Association, deputy district director to former Congresswoman Nan Hayworth, member of the Putnam Valley Town Planning Board, and emergency medical technician for Westchester EMS as well as the Kent Volunteer Fire Department where he served three terms as president. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Scranton and a Master of Public Administration from Marist College. Kevin Byrne is a lifelong resident of Putnam County and resides in Mahopac with his wife, Briana (Messina) Byrne and their young son Braeden.
Learn more about Kevin Byrne and his campaign for Putnam County Executive at www.Byrne4Putnam.com