11/22/2025
County Executive Kevin Byrne is proud to announce the appointment of James “Jim” Oster as the new Commissioner of Bureau of Emergency Services (BES).
A lifelong Kent resident, Oster brings more than 20 years of public safety leadership experience to the role. Rising through the ranks of the Kent Police Department, from Patrol Officer to Sergeant to Lieutenant, Oster served as the department’s executive officer and second-in-command. He oversaw the detective division, managed state grant funding, implemented departmental policies, and developed training and operational standards.
He also served as Assistant Commander and a founding team leader of the Putnam County Emergency Response Team, directing some of the county’s highest-risk tactical operations. In addition to his law enforcement career, Oster began his service as an EMT with the Kent Volunteer Fire Department, where he would go on to serve as Lieutenant. He has held leadership roles with the Putnam County Traffic Safety Board, Knights of Columbus, Fraternal Order of Police, and multiple youth sports programs.
Byrne called Oster “a proven leader with an unwavering commitment to public safety.” The County Executive added that he “will help keep Putnam County one of the safest places to live in the country.”
Oster will oversee countywide emergency response coordination, training, communications, and support for Putnam’s all-volunteer fire departments, EMS agencies, and public safety partners. His leadership of the Bureau will be complemented by a myriad of other seasoned emergency service professionals, including Deputy Commissioner Ralph Falloon, Director of Emergency Management Chris Shields, and EMS Director Bob Cuomo.
Oster will begin his service on December 1, 2025. Please join us in welcoming him to our team.
