Dear Friend:
It has been another busy week and I wanted to take a moment to share a few updates with you! Whether it’s expanding affordable housing options, enhancing the County’s response to emergencies, or honoring the selfless veterans who defended our freedom, I want you to know your County government is working hard to move Dutchess forward.
Remembering September 11th
The annual Dutchess County 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, hosted by Family Court Judge Tracy Mackenzie, brought together neighbors, County employees, law enforcement officers, and community leaders to pause and remember the innocent lives that were tragically lost on September 11, 2001. Keynote speaker Family Court Judge Jeffrey Martin’s words reminded us not only of the pain we carry, but of the strength we find in one another. #NeverForget
New Emergency Response Commissioner
Congratulations to Bill Beale on his unanimous confirmation by the County Legislature this week as our new Commissioner of Emergency Response. Bill has more than two decades of dedicated service – from fire investigator to emergency management leader – and I was proud to appoint him to this new post in August. Bill has consistently shown the expertise and vision needed to keep our community safe, and we’re proud to have him leading the way.
Advocating for Federal Action to Stabilize EMS
Earlier this week, I wrote to federal leaders to advocate for dedicated EMS funding. Here in Dutchess alone, we’ve seen more than 21,500 calls in the first half of 2025, putting a tremendous strain on local providers.
With letters to the U.S. Transportation Secretary and New York’s Congressional Delegation, we are calling for support to strengthen EMS systems through workforce development, equipment upgrades, and operational grants, especially in rural areas.
Here in Dutchess County, we have invested $1.47 million in supplemental EMS coverage to make sure our residents can be confident that an ambulance is coming when there is an emergency. However, local efforts alone aren’t enough and we need federal support. I will keep you posted on developments, as keeping Dutchess County residents safe is certainly a top priority!
Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund Awards
I’m proud to share that we’ve awarded $2.45 million through Dutchess County’s Housing Trust Fund to support four housing projects in Poughkeepsie and Amenia to make housing more attainable for our workforce. These efforts will help create or preserve more than 100 rental units for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. Blaise Gomez from News 12 Hudson Valley joined us to visit some of projects underway and completed.
Monthly Honor-A-Veteran Ceremony
We will host our next “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony this Thursday, September 18th at 9 a.m. at the VFW Post 170, 1 Violet Avenue in Poughkeepsie. This month, we celebrate the life and service of Donald Herring, a Navy veteran from the City of Poughkeepsie, who served under the VF-31 Fighter Squadron, famously known as the “Tomcatters,” during the Vietnam War.
We invite you to join us to remember Donny’s contributions to keeping Dutchess County and America safe.
If you’d like to nominate a deceased veteran from Dutchess County to be recognized at an upcoming “Honor-A-Veteran” ceremony, applications are available online.
Mark your calendar!
I love to hear from you! If you have questions, need help, or just want to share an idea, give us a call at 845-486-2000 or email CountyExec@dutchessny.gov.
Sincerely,
Sue Serino Dutchess County Executive
P.S.
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