The Commissioners, Chiefs, officers and members of the Pleasant Valley Fire District congratulate one of our own, Shawn Castano.

The acting commissioner of the Dutchess County Department of Emergency Response (DCDER) has retired from the county workforce, again. Shawn Castano worked his last day on Friday, retiring after a total of 32 years in emergency services. Castano took over the department’s leadership role after Dana Smith resigned in October after 18 years with the county, although his resignation was not in effect until December 31, 2024. Castano served as the acting commissioner from October through January 3, 2025, with the role being turned over to William “Bill” Beale.

He began his career as an officer with the Town of Lloyd Police Department in 1993 before transitioning to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office in 1997, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant, before retiring in 2022. He spent about one week as a retiree before returning to the public safety sector as deputy commissioner of emergency response.

Best of luck and thank you for all your dedication and hard work!