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Recent Statewide Forest Ranger Actions

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4 years ago

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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Forest Rangers respond to search and rescue incidents statewide. Working with other state agencies, local emergency response organizations, and volunteer search and rescue groups, Forest Rangers locate and extract lost, injured, or distressed people from across New York State.

In 2022, DEC Forest Rangers conducted 359 search and rescue missions, extinguished 162 wildfires covering more than 1,300 acres, participated in 53 prescribed fires that served to rejuvenate nearly 900 acres of land, and worked on cases that resulted in hundreds of tickets and arrests.

“With more people visiting State lands and enjoying New York’s myriad, world-class outdoor recreational opportunities, DEC’s Forest Rangers are on the front lines to help visitors get outside responsibly and get home safely,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Each day, these highly trained first responders are protecting irreplaceable natural resources and utilizing their expert knowledge of wildland fire suppression, wilderness first aid, land navigation, law enforcement, and technical rescue techniques to successfully execute critical missions, for DEC and our countless local, state, and national partners.”

Hamlet of Claryville
Ulster County
Training: On Jan. 5 and 6, Forest Ranger Lieutenant LaPierre, a Wilderness Medical Associates instructor, led a Wilderness First Responder training course at Frost Valley YMCA for Rangers from DEC regions one, three, four, and seven, which cover the Long Island, Hudson Valley, and Central NY regions. Rangers take the course annually to refresh wilderness first responder skills including assessing vital signs, providing emergency care in the wilderness, and making crucial evacuation decisions.

Be sure to properly prepare and plan before entering the backcountry. Visit DEC’s Hike Smart NY, Adirondack Backcountry Information, and Catskill Backcountry Information webpages for more information.

If a person needs a Forest Ranger, whether it’s for a search and rescue, to report a wildfire, or to report illegal activity on state lands and easements, they should call 833-NYS-RANGERS. If a person needs urgent assistance, they can call 911. To contact a Forest Ranger for information about a specific location, the DEC website has phone numbers for every Ranger listed by region.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Conduct Active Shooter Training at North Rockland School

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4 days ago

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November 11, 2026

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With schools closed for Veterans Day, the Haverstraw Police Department conducted an active shooter training exercise at a local school within the North Rockland Central School District.

The training brought together law enforcement personnel from the Haverstraw Police Department, Stony Point Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police.

According to the Haverstraw Police Department, the exercise focused on strengthening interagency response, communication, and coordination during critical incidents. The training provided officers from multiple agencies an opportunity to work together and reinforce procedures for responding to emergency situations.

Police officials emphasized the importance of ongoing training and collaboration among local, county, and state law enforcement agencies to help ensure an effective response when emergencies arise.

The department also expressed its appreciation to Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Haverstraw Town Board, Superintendent Kris Felicello, and the North Rockland Central School District Board of Education for their cooperation and support in making the school building available for the exercise.

The training was conducted while students and staff were off for the Veterans Day holiday.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo PD Youth Academy Graduate Clarissa Metellus Becomes NYPD Police Officer

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5 days ago

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November 10, 2026

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RAMAPO, NY — A former graduate of the Ramapo Police Youth Academy has officially begun her career in law enforcement after graduating from the New York City Police Department (NYPD) Police Academy.

 

Officer Clarissa Metellus, a 2019 graduate of the Ramapo Police Youth Academy in Rockland County, was among 959 new NYPD officers who graduated on Tuesday, November 10, 2026.

The milestone was especially meaningful for the Ramapo Police Department, which celebrated Metellus’ journey from a local youth academy participant to a New York City police officer.

Among those attending the graduation ceremony was Ramapo Police Sgt. Anton, who served as the School Resource Officer at Ramapo High School in the East Ramapo Central School District in 2019.

Sgt. Anton attended the ceremony to personally congratulate Metellus and witness the former Youth Academy graduate take the next step in her law enforcement career.

The Ramapo Police Youth Academy provides young people with exposure to law enforcement and opportunities to build relationships with local police officers. Metellus’ achievement highlights the lasting impact these programs can have on young people considering careers in public service.

“Seeing a former Youth Academy graduate take the next step into a career in law enforcement is a proud moment for our entire department and a reminder of the lasting impact of our youth outreach programs,” the Ramapo Police Department said in a statement.

The department also congratulated all 959 members of the NYPD’s graduating class while offering special recognition to Metellus.

“All of us at Ramapo PD are incredibly proud of you. We wish you a long, safe, and successful career serving the people of New York City,” the department added.

Metellus now begins her career protecting and serving the residents of New York City, marking a proud moment for the Ramapo Police Department and the Rockland County community.

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