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Tappan FD Announce Passing of 70 Year Life Member and Ex-Chief Richard Pforte Sr.

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TAPPAN, NY – The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan announce the passing of 70 Year Life Member and Ex-Chief Richard Pforte Sr. (1935-2024)

Richard joined the Tappan Fire Department in 1954, making remarkable contributions to both the department and the broader improvement of fire services in Orangetown.

Among his most notable achievements were:
– Serving as a Department Officer from 1960 to 1969.
– Holding the position of Chief of the Department from 1967 to 1969.
– Introducing a fire dispatch system (21-102) to the Town of Orangetown, initially operated by the Orangetown Police Department. This system set the precedent for how fire departments in Orangetown would be dispatched, leading up to the adoption of the current 9-1-1 system, now operated by RCS Radio HQ (44-Control).
– Being the main brain behind the in-house construction of a 1965 Ford equipment vehicle (21-EQ).
– Initiating and serving on our Kitchen Committee for many years.

Wake services were held on Monday, February 5th at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan from 3pm-9pm, with a firematic service held at 6pm.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at 10 am at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery.

The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan extends our sincerest condolences to the Pforte family. Richard was a dedicated member of our department and his absence will be deeply.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Police Department Promotes Matt Sheehy to Lieutenant

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2 days ago

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May 28, 2026

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The Clarkstown Police Department has announced the promotion of Sgt. Matt Sheehy to the rank of lieutenant.

Lt. Sheehy most recently served as the department’s Administrative Sergeant and has held several leadership and specialized assignments throughout his career with the department.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, Sheehy has served as a member of the Honor Guard, participated in the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, supervised the department’s Bike Unit, and worked as a police academy instructor.

He has also been active in law enforcement advocacy and labor organizations, serving as an executive board member of the Rockland County PBA and as a committee member for the Clarkstown Police Department PBA.

Department officials said Lt. Sheehy will now be assigned to the Patrol Division, where he will continue serving the Clarkstown community.

The department congratulated Sheehy on his promotion, calling it well deserved and recognizing his years of dedication and professionalism in law enforcement.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Officers, EMT Honored After Hudson River Rescue Saves Man’s Life

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May 28, 2026

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Two Haverstraw police officers and an off-duty EMT were recognized this week for their heroic actions in rescuing an unconscious man from the Hudson River last summer.

According to the Haverstraw Police Department, Officer Matthew Mancuso, Officer Cassandra Marrero, and off-duty EMT Stephanie Torres responded to an emergency at Emeline Park in August 2025 involving a 52-year-old man who had become unresponsive in the water.

Authorities said the victim was located approximately 100 feet from the shoreline when the rescue effort began. Mancuso, Marrero, and Torres entered the Hudson River, reached the unconscious man, and pulled him safely back to shore.

Once on land, the trio immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures, successfully restoring the man’s pulse before emergency medical crews transported him to a local hospital for further evaluation. Officials confirmed the man survived the incident.

This week, the three rescuers were formally recognized by John Gould Jr. for their quick response, bravery, and coordinated efforts that helped save the man’s life.

Officials praised the actions of both on-duty responders and civilians who work together during emergencies, noting that the rescue demonstrated exceptional courage and teamwork under pressure.

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