As winter officially turns to spring this week, there’s an undeniable sense of excitement in the air here in Orange County. With the cold of winter (hopefully!) behind us, the promise of longer, warmer, and (again hopefully) sunnier days ahead has everyone buzzing. I do love every season as it unfolds in Orange County, and all that each one offers, but spring is special with the wonderful rebirth of nature, lawns greening up, trees budding, and the sounds of bats cracking and bands playing as we get outdoors more! It’s a time to appreciate what makes Orange County so unique and to look forward to the fun that comes with the changing weather.

Here are a few notable events from the last few days of (official) winter:

I had the opportunity to attend the Orange County Cybersecurity Summit, which was incredibly well done and very enlightening and informative. The event brought together experts, leaders, and professionals who provided valuable insights on safeguarding our community in an increasingly digital world. Every presentation was packed with knowledge that will play a crucial role in strengthening our County’s cybersecurity efforts.

One of the most important aspects of cybersecurity, as we all know, is ensuring confidentiality—especially during a cyber incident. As County Executive, I always want to be sure we balance transparency with the necessity of protecting sensitive information. At the summit, I had the chance to ask some of the most knowledgeable minds in the field about the best practices for maintaining confidentiality during these critical situations, until all the facts are clear. This is a challenge we face in the modern age, where information is constantly moving, and decisions need to be made with precision and care.

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Glenn Marchi, our Chief Information Officer, and his entire Information Technology team, who were instrumental in organizing and executing this successful event. Their hard work and dedication to enhancing our County’s cybersecurity infrastructure was on full display throughout the summit. Glenn and his team are the backbone of our efforts to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats, and I am glad they are part of our team.

Another element of security is crisis management. Last week, Orange County’s department heads received hands-on emergency management training from one of our very own crisis experts, Shannon Fisher, who works with Orange County Emergency Services. This specialized training is critical during times of crisis when every minute counts, and the decisions made in those first critical moments can have lasting impacts.

When disaster strikes, whether it’s a natural event like a severe storm or a man-made incident such as an accident, it is vital that our County leaders are prepared to act swiftly and efficiently. Our emergency response protocols must be immediately informed. That’s why this training goes beyond just knowing what to do; it’s about equipping our Orange County team to make quick, effective decisions, ensuring that we can respond rapidly and effectively to whatever challenge we might face.

This training ensures that our department heads understand the complexities of managing a crisis. We are all learning together how to navigate stressful situations, communicate effectively with the public and each other, and keep vital services running, even when the unexpected happens. It’s also about ensuring that we can continue our day-to-day operations. After all, when faced with an emergency, it’s not just about responding in the moment, it’s about keeping our community running smoothly even when everything seems uncertain.

Your safety, wellbeing, and peace of mind are always our top priorities. Rest assured, Orange County government is fully committed and fully prepared to respond with speed, efficiency, and expertise, no matter the situation.

Staying on the topic of emergency services, I am excited to announce the appointment of Richard L. Willey Jr. as the new Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Medical Services (EMS). With over 25 years of experience in EMS, Richard’s leadership and expertise will be key in strengthening our EMS operations. His dedication to high-quality care and his proven ability to lead in critical situations will help enhance our services and ensure we remain responsive and ready to serve the community. I look forward to the positive impact he will have on the safety and wellbeing of our residents.

Lastly, I had the pleasure of attending the Town of Wallkill’s St. Patrick’s Day Senior Luncheon, which was a wonderful experience! A heartfelt thank you goes out to the incredible organizers who put together such a warm and welcoming event for our senior community. It’s clear how much thought and care went into making this luncheon a special occasion for those who have given so much to our County over the years.

Get out and enjoy the first week of spring, and maybe I will see you “Around the County!”