Police/Fire/EMS

Veteran, Police Officer, and Firefighter Joseph McKenna Passes Away at 87

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2023

TAPPAN, NY – Joseph J. McKenna, 87, passed away on Monday, August, 28, 2023 with family at his side. Born in Nyack, New York on February 29, 1936 to John A. and Catharine McKenna, he was raised in Piermont, New York with his seven older siblings. After graduating from Piermont High School in 1954, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Upon his return he joined the Clarkstown Police Department where served his community for over twenty years and proudly worked to start the Police Benevolent Association of Rockland County.

In 1960 he married Helene Seebach, his wife and love of his life for 63 years. They raised their three sons, John, Joseph, and Thomas and enjoyed their grandchildren and the many life-long friends they made. He went back to school to pursue his degree in history, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1981.

In addition to his professional career as a Clarkstown Police Officer, Joe served as an active member in many volunteer activities including being an original member of the Piermont Underwater Rescue Team, the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan for over 60 years where he was a past president, the Carl A. Schelin American Legion Post 1271, the Pearl River Elks, The Knights of Columbus, St Dominic’s Council 5343, and the Rockland County P.B.A.

One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was sharing his love of history and his country with his grandchildren. Many a story was told, and infinite memories are treasured by those who were lucky enough to learn from him.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents John and Catharine, his siblings: Conrad, Mary Catharine, John, Doris Elizabeth (O’ Neill), Anne Mercedes (Flounlacker), Ellen Patricia (Secor), and George. Joseph is also predeceased by his beloved son, John who passed away in 1997.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helene; sons Joseph, of Grahamsville, NY, Thomas (Brigid), of Tappan, NY; daughters-in-law Rosemary, of Pearl River and Tracy, of Neversink. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren Katie, Jack, Kevin, Joseph, James, Jennifer, Brigid, Laura, and Thomas McKenna; and his brother in law, Alan Seebach as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held Thursday, August, 31 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan, New York. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 1, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Tappan, New York. Internment will be at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, New York.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Tappan Fire Association Welfare Fund.

Police/Fire/EMS

Suffern Police Check ATMs for Skimmers, Report No Threats Detected

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Suffern Police Department Detective Bureau, in partnership with the Rockland County Intelligence Center, recently conducted a proactive sweep of 35 local businesses to check for ATM and credit card skimming devices. No devices were detected.

Skimming devices are illegal tools used by criminals to capture payment card information during legitimate transactions—often without the victim’s knowledge. This stolen data can then be used to commit fraud and identity theft.

Proactive enforcement efforts like this play a critical role in safeguarding the community by preventing financial crimes before they occur and protecting both residents and local businesses. The Suffern Police Department remains committed to staying ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the continued safety and security of the community.

Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Appoints James S. Fay Jr. as New Police Chief, Effective April 2026

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

New City, NY — Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board have appointed Capt. James S. Fay, Jr. as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Clarkstown, effective April 24, 2026.

He will succeed Jeffrey Wanamaker, who is retiring after an impressive 39-year career with the Clarkstown Police Department, including serving as Chief since 2021. The Town plans to formally recognize Wanamaker’s service later this month.

About Incoming Chief James S. Fay, Jr.

Capt. Fay brings 32 years of experience within the Clarkstown Police Department, with a career spanning both operational and administrative leadership:

Specialized Units & Investigations
- Narcotics and organized crime investigations
- Investigator with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force
- Established and led the Street Crime Unit
- Served in the Juvenile Aid Bureau, handling sensitive cases involving children and family court
Emergency & Tactical Experience
- Over a decade with the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)
- First responder at the September 11 terrorist attacks
Leadership Roles
- Supervised patrol operations and field training
- Oversaw Special Operations (K-9, Traffic, Anti-Crime)
- Currently serves as Operations Captain, overseeing Patrol, Detectives, and Special Operations
Labor & Community Involvement
- Former executive leader in the Police Benevolent Association
- Founding member of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce Board
- Graduate of Leadership Rockland

Supervisor Hoehmann praised both leaders, expressing gratitude to Chief Wanamaker for his decades of service and confidence in Fay as a “true public servant” committed to the department and community.