IE 11 Not Supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.

Brigadier General F. David Sheppard, New Director of 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

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 Bronze Star, the Army Aviation Broken Wing Award, and the New York State Governor's Medal for Valor.

A native of Utica and raised in the Capital District area, General Sheppard holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York at Albany, a certificate from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government, and is a graduate of the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks with a Masters Degree in Strategic Studies. He and his wife, Vicki, have one daughter and reside in Niskayuna, Schenectady County.
Senior Advisor to the Governor for Counter-Terrorism James K. Kallstrom said, "David Sheppard is a proven leader during times of war and peace. I am sure that we will continue to make great strides in our war against terrorism under his guidance."
McMahon, whose retirement is effective October 10, has accepted a position as Chief of Staff with the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Director James McMahon said, "The opportunity to lead two of the greatest organizations in the nation -- the New York State Police and the State Office of Homeland Security -- at such a pivotal time in our history has truly been the zenith of my career. I thank Governor Pataki for his trust and confidence and for the support he has provided me to helping the citizens of the State of New York."

Director McMahon, a native of Rochester, was instrumental in implementing many initiatives in the State's war on terrorism including the establishment of the Upstate New York Regional Intelligence Center, a multi-jurisdictional intelligence and investigative center which has been recognized nationally; and the creation of the State Preparedness Training Center which opened this summer in Oneida County. Additionally, New York State has become a national model for its efforts to maximize the use of federal homeland security antiterrorism and preparedness funds. Following the Governor's consistent advocacy of risk-based homeland security funding, distribution of funds to New York City and counties is calculated by a threat-based formula.

He served as Superintendent of the New York State Police from 1994 until his appointment as OHS Director in 2003. As Superintendent, he commanded a full-service statewide law enforcement agency; the eighth largest in the country, in excess of 5,400 sworn members and civilian support staff. He started his career in Troop A in 1966 and has served in numerous other troops. Prior to his appointment as Superintendent, Director McMahon had served as Deputy Superintendent/Field Commander, with the rank of Colonel, the third in command of the State Police. His responsibilities included command of all field operations of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Uniform Force.

Director McMahon also served as Chairman of the New York State Disaster Preparedness Commission, which is comprised of 23 State agencies and one volunteer organization. The commission is the Governor's policy management group for the State's emergency management program and is responsible for the preparation of state disaster plans; directing state disaster operations and coordinating those with local government operations; and coordinating federal, state and private recovery efforts.

He returns to his law enforcement roots in his new position as Chief of Staff of the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Founded in 1893, the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) is the world's oldest and largest association of law enforcement executives with more than 19,000 members in nearly 100 countries. Since IACP's inception, it has been serving the needs of the law enforcement community. It has been launching historically acclaimed programs, conducting ground-breaking research, and providing exemplary programs and services to its members across the globe. Director McMahon and his wife, Joan, reside in Ballston Lake, Saratoga County.

As Director of the Office of Homeland Security, Mr. Sheppard's will receive an annual salary of $158,000.