Police/Fire/EMS

Off-Duty Clarkstown Police Department Officer Paul Munding Saves Drowning Young Girl

Published

6 years ago

July 6, 2020

rocklandreport

Off-Duty Clarkstown Police Department Officer Paul Munding Saves Drowning Young Girl

The following post is by Ella’s Mom – Carly Shaffer.

Wanted to share something….. every parent’s worst fear, but thankfully a very happy ending. Yesterday, while attending a friends daughter’s birthday party, Ella (4) went in the pool. She went on wedding cake stairs and promised not to leave the ladder. Ella never, ever leaves the ladder, even in a puddle jumper flotation device, tubes, etc bc she’s petrified of the water. Until she did. She saw a beautiful, shiny, L.O.L doll in the pool and dove towards the middle for it. Alone. In water she couldn’t stand in. And she couldn’t swim. From far away, in the noise and chaos of many kids happily playing and adults laughing and chatting, I heard her cry out. Not much different than a cry of annoyance that told me maybe her brother took her shovel, or her sister took her ball. U know, the usual yells. But I just knew. I KNEW something was wrong. I didn’t even know she was in the pool, (I didn’t put her in there) but I knew. My heart was in my stomach as I was running to her, watching her bob up and down in the water, choking. A man I briefly met, 5 min prior had made it to her first. She was taking in water and surely would have drowned. He drove in, fully dressed, shoes and all, over the side of the pool for a kid he didn’t even know. A kid he’s not related to. A kid he’s never met. He saved my kids life. And I have no idea how to ever thank this man. This man is Paul Munding and is a Clarkstown Police Officer! A hero!

so I thought this police officer deserved some love! I certainly love him! And wanted to show everyone that think all cops are bad, they most certainly aren’t. Show ur boys in blue some love, bc even on their days off, they’re still working. Please share! This guy deserves some credit!

Great job Officer Munding!

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.