Photo: shaunl / E+ / Getty Images
Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino has appointed William H. Beale as the permanent Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Response (DER) in Poughkeepsie. Beale has been serving as the acting commissioner since January and brings over two decades of experience in emergency management to the role.
Beale's career with the department began in 2003 as a fire investigator. He was promoted to Deputy Fire Coordinator for Fire Investigation in 2012 and became the Emergency Management Coordinator in 2014. In this role, he trained over 3,000 residents in disaster preparedness and managed personal protective equipment distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. Beale's leadership was further recognized when he was named Director of Emergency Management in 2022, where he oversaw a pioneering public health integrated emergency management model.
According to Dutchess County, Beale's innovative initiatives have included achieving accreditation through New York State’s Local Emergency Management Accreditation Program and improving the county’s EMS system. His leadership in implementing a supplemental ambulance coverage system has already responded to over 700 calls this year.
Beale holds an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice from Dutchess Community College, a Bachelor of Science from Marist University, and a Master of Public Administration from Marist. His appointment will be considered by the Dutchess County Legislature on September 8, 2025. Public Safety Committee Chairman Rob Faust expressed confidence in Beale's approval, citing his proven leadership and dedication to public safety.
Beale, who has also served as a councilman and Deputy Town Supervisor in Wappinger, said, "In this new role, I remain committed to ensuring Dutchess County continues to be recognized as a leader through innovation and unique approaches to collaboration."