Governor George E. Pataki announced that he appointed Brigadier General F. David Sheppard as Director of the New York State Office of Homeland Security (OHS). Sheppard currently serves as Director of OHS' Weapons of Mass Destruction Task Force and is the Commander of the New York Army National Guard 53rd Troop Command located in Valhalla, Westchester County.

Sheppard will succeed James W. McMahon who is retiring from State service after a distinguished 40-year career.

"Dave Sheppard has dedicated more than 35 years of his life to protecting our homeland and preserving the liberties we cherish so dearly," Governor Pataki said. "As a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and throughout his service with our New York Army National Guard, he has proven his commitment to making our State and nation safer time and again, and I am confident that under Dave's leadership, the Office of Homeland Security will continue to coordinate efforts with local and federal governments to ensure we are doing everything possible to protect New Yorkers from terrorist threats."

The Governor also praised James W. McMahon who has completed 40 years of State service -- 37 years as a member of New York State Police including nine years as Superintendent and three years as OHS Director.

"I join all New Yorkers in thanking Jim McMahon for his 40 years of self-less dedication to protecting the people of this great State, first as a member and leader of the State Police and now as Director of our Office of Homeland Security," Governor Pataki said. "We wish him and his wife, Joan, much success in this new and exciting chapter in their lives."

As Director of the New York State Office of Homeland Security, General Sheppard will coordinate all State efforts to detect, identify, address, respond to and prevent terrorist acts from occurring within New York State. The Office of Homeland Security is the primary contact with the federal Department of Homeland Security and coordinates with cities and counties throughout New York to ensure maximum preparedness for a possible threats or terrorist acts.

General Sheppard said, "I thank Governor Pataki for his confidence in my ability to coordinate our counter-terrorism efforts and look forward to working with first responders, State, local and city officials, and the federal Department of Homeland Security who have done such a magnificent job in providing security and emergency response to the citizens of the State of New York. Working together, we will continue to maintain the highest level of vigilance and preparedness against the evils of terrorism."

General Sheppard coordinated the New York National Guard's emergency response to civil authorities during the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attacks. He also served as the commander of the military joint task force in support of the National Special Security Event, the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York City.

He began his military career in 1970 by attending U.S. Army Basic Training at Fort Polk, La., subsequently graduating from U.S. Army Helicopter Pilot Flight School, Fort Rucker, Ala., in 1971. In 1972 after receiving his U.S. Army pilot wings, he reported to South Vietnam and served as a combat helicopter pilot, flying 841 hours during his one year tour of duty. He completed his active duty service as an Instructor Pilot at Fort Rucker before joining the New York Army National Guard in 1975. General Sheppard served in a variety of military assignments with the New York Army National Guard including Director of Aviation and Safety, Chief of Staff, and Deputy Adjutant General of the State Division of Military and Naval Affairs before his assignment as Commander of the 53rd Troop Command.

General Sheppard's military decorations and awards include the Bronze Star for Valor, the Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, an Air Medal for Valor, Fifteen Air Medals for Combat Missions, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with