The mission of the Sheriff's Office Emergency Management Division is to minimize personal injury, loss of life and damage to property and the environment, from man-made or natural disasters through mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery; while working with local, state and federal agencies, overseeing operations of the county Emergency Operation Center and in accordance with the Columbia County Comprehensive Emergency Plan.
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David W. Harrison, Jr.
Director David W. Harrison, Jr is a life long resident of Columbia County. He is a 37+ year member of the Spencertown Fire Company and retired in December of 2013 from the Columbia County Sheriff's Office after a thirty year career, his last eight years as the elected Sheriff. Director Harrison has past corrections, police, fire and EMS training and experience, before specializing in law enforcement operations management and command. He has been a police and fire police instructor and sat on many committees and boards including the NYS Weapons of Mass Destruction Task Force, Zone 14 Counter Terrorism Committee, Columbia County Traffic Safety Board, Columbia County Safe School Committee, NYS Sheriff's Institute Board of Directors, NYS Sheriff's Association Legislation and Jail Committees, Columbia County Agricultural Society, Hudson Correctional Facility Community Advisory Board, Dr. Stephen & Suzanne Menkes Child Advocacy Center Advisory Board and the University at Albany Regional Advisory Council - Center for Autism and Related Disabilities. Director Harrison resides in Spencertown with his wife Kelly, Together they have three adult sons – |
Henry Swartz
Deputy Director Deputy Director Henry Swartz started with Columbia County Emergency Management in June 2012. Deputy Director Swartz is responsible for assisting in the operation of the Columbia County Emergency Operations Center located at the Columbia County Public Safety Building in Hudson, NY. Deputy Director Swartz is a 35 year member of the Niverville Fire Department, where he is a past Chief. He has also been a past President of the Columbia County Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Columbia County Fire Chiefs Association. Deputy Director Swartz also serves on the County's Traffic Safety Board and the County's Cause and Origin Team. Mr. Swartz has lived in the Town of Chatham for 34 years with his wife Tammy, daughter Amanda and son-in-law Mike. |