FASNY PRESIDENT JAMES A. BURNS APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR ANDREW CUOMO’S NYS RESPOND COMMISSION

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced new appointments to three emergency preparedness commissions, including the appointment of the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) President James A. Burns. Burns, a 51-year veteran of the fire service, will be serving on the Governor’s New York State Respond Commission.

The NYS Respond Commission is tasked with finding ways to ensure that New York is ready to respond to future weather-related disasters. The Commission’s recommendations will seek to improve the planning, training and resource commitment that must occur to ensure the appropriate deployment of people and resources before, during and after a future emergency.

“I am honored to be recognized by Governor Cuomo and the State of New York,” said Burns. “In response to Hurricane Sandy, the need for preparedness and emergency response is greater than ever. I look forward to serving alongside some of the brightest and most qualified professionals to improve and strengthen New York State’s infrastructure and response capabilities for the future.”

The Commission will be co-chaired by Thad Allen, Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton, and Admiral (US Coast Guard, Retired), and Brad Penuel, Director of the Center for Catastrophe Preparedness and Response at New York University. The Commission’s recommendations are due to the Governor by January 3, 2013. The other commissions include NYS 2100 and NYS Ready.