Police/Fire/EMS

Early Morning Blaze Destroys Home on River Road; Piermont Firefighters Make Aggressive Knockdown

Published

10 months ago

July 5, 2025

Incident Report: Working Structure Fire
Date: July 5, 2025
Time: 03:35 hrs
Location: 217 River Road, Grandview-on-Hudson, NY
Reporting Agency: Piermont Fire Department

Incident Summary:

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, at approximately 03:35 hours, the Piermont Fire Department was dispatched to 217 River Road, Grandview-on-Hudson, for a reported telephone alarm. Seconds after the initial dispatch, 44-Control upgraded the incident to a possible structure fire, triggering a first alarm assignment. This brought the Nyack Fire Department’s F.A.S.T. Team to the scene in accordance with our run card.

Fireground Operations:

Command:
The first arriving chief, 13-2, assumed command and provided 44-Control with a size-up of the structure. A working fire was confirmed upon arrival.
Engine Operations:
First-due Engine 13-1001 secured a water source by hitting the hydrant on River Road and stretched a supply line up the driveway. The engine crew deployed a handline from the side step of the engine to the front of the structure and made a rapid and aggressive knockdown of the fire, both exterior and interior.
Truck Operations:
First-due Truck 13-99 followed Engine 13-1001 up the driveway and positioned behind it to access the front of the building. The truck chauffeur deployed the aerial to ladder the front of the structure, enabling the truck crew to begin opening up the second-floor exterior for ventilation and fire suppression.

Additional Resources:

A second alarm was transmitted, bringing the following resources to the scene:

Truck 16-99
Additional F.A.S.T. Team (2-F.A.S.T.)
Engine 21-1502, which was assigned to cover the Village of Piermont while crews operated on-scene.

Investigation:

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Arson Unit was requested to the scene to conduct an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.

Police/Fire/EMS

Suffern Police Check ATMs for Skimmers, Report No Threats Detected

Published

7 days 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

7 days 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.