As we head into the final stretch of the school year, our calendars fill with proms, graduations, and family gatherings. These are joyful milestones—moments that should be filled with laughter, photographs, and pride, not tragedy.
As both a father and a former NYPD Police Commander, I know all too well how one bad decision can turn a celebration into a catastrophe. Every day, approximately 37 people lose their lives in drunk-driving crashes across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s 37 empty chairs at family dinners, graduations, and milestones that will never be experienced again.

Here in Rockland, we are taking action to help prevent these tragedies. Our Rockland County STOP DWI & Traffic Safety Office is proud to support the “No Empty Chair” initiative, a campaign backed by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Its purpose is simple but powerful: to make sure no high school graduation or prom seat is left empty because of a preventable car crash.

We are asking every teen, parent, and community member to make smart choices and speak up when you see risky behavior. Specifically, we urge you to:

Drive responsibly
Never drink or use drugs and drive
Stay cell phone-free behind the wheel – no texting or calling
Always wear your seatbelt
If you’re in danger or unsure, make a call – it could save your life
To our young people: I know how exciting this time is for you. I want each of you to enjoy it fully—but safely. Your lives are just beginning, and your families, your schools, and your communities want nothing more than to see you succeed, thrive, and be there to celebrate the next chapter.

Let’s make sure every seat at graduation is filled, every prom photo has a full group, and every celebration ends with everyone home safe.

You matter. Let’s keep it that way.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day. Photo by the Haverstraw Police Department.

NEW CITY, NY — As mosquito season approaches, the Rockland County Department of Health has launched its annual mosquito control initiative aimed at protecting residents from mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile Virus and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). Beginning on or around May 12, 2025, health officials will begin treating approximately 57,000 catch basins and storm drains across the county. The treatment process is expected to be completed by early June.

“Rockland County has about 57,000 catch basins and storm drains, many of which have the potential to breed mosquitoes,” said Amy Isenberg, Environmental Health Specialist and Mosquito Program Coordinator. “We treat these structures annually to help control the mosquito population and protect the community from diseases mosquitoes can carry.”

The treatment will be conducted by Health Department staff using slow-moving County vehicles, frequently stopping to access catch basins and storm drains. The Department urges drivers and pedestrians to be patient and avoid parking over storm drains during this time to ensure workers can easily perform treatments.
Why Mosquito Control Matters

Mosquitoes lay eggs in standing water, where larvae hatch and develop over a period of 7 to 10 days before emerging as adult mosquitoes capable of biting and transmitting dangerous viruses.

To help reduce mosquito breeding, residents are encouraged to eliminate sources of standing water on their property, such as:

Birdbaths, pet bowls, and plant saucers (change water regularly)

Unused toys, buckets, tarps, wading pools, and wheelbarrows (flip or store when not in use)

Free Mosquito Control Resources Available

To support public participation in mosquito control, the Rockland County Department of Health is offering free mosquito prevention tools to residents:

Mosquito Dunks®

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona

How: Must be ordered in advance by calling 845-364-3173 or emailing [email protected]

What: Dunks are donut-shaped tablets that float in standing water and release a natural bacterium that kills mosquito larvae. Suitable for unused swimming pools and spas.

Fathead Minnows Giveaway – One Day Only!

When: Wednesday, May 21, from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

Where: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex, Pomona

What: These small fish feed on mosquito larvae and are ideal for use in ornamental ponds, unused pools, or any water body with at least 8 inches of water.

Reserve: Call 845-364-3173 or reserve online.

The annual mosquito treatment program is a proactive step toward keeping Rockland County residents safe and reducing the risk of mosquito-borne illnesses. By combining county-wide efforts with individual homeowner participation, the Health Department aims to make a significant impact on the local mosquito population this summer.

For more information on mosquito prevention or to reserve mosquito control products, call the Rockland County Health Department at 845-364-3173.