Originally Posted - September 26, 2006

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NEW YORK---Brigadier General F. David Sheppard has been appointed director of the New York State Office of Homeland Security (OHS) to succeed James. W. McMahon, former superintendent of the New York State Police, who is retiring. 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.

"Dave Sheppard has dedicated more than 35 years of his life to protecting our homeland and preserving the liberties we cherish so dearly," Goc. George 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 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.

As director of the New York State Office of Homeland Security, 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.

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.

A native of Utica and raised in the Capital District area, 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.

McMahon, whose retirement is effective Oct. 10, has accepted a position as chief of staff with the International Association of Chiefs of Police. McMahon and his wife, Joan, reside in Ballston Lake, Saratoga County.

Sheppard will receive an annual salary of $158,000. 9-26-06