Police/Fire/EMS

Beloved Retired Orangetown PD Officer Robert “Smitty” Smith Passes Away

Published

2 years ago

December 28, 2022

It is with deep sadness we share the passing of Retired Orangetown Police Department Officer Robert “Smitty” G Smith

Robert G. Smith Jr. of Pearl River, NY passed away on Monday, December 26, 2022. He was 67. Smitty worked as a police officer for 32 years. He began his career in 1983 working for the NYPD in the 47th Precinct. In September 1984 he transferred to the Orangetown Police Department where he worked until his retirement in 2015.

Robert was born October 10, 1955 in Suffern, NY to Robert G. and Leila Smith. He was a graduate of Pearl River High School in 1973.

Locally, he was a member of the Pearl River Hook & Ladder Co#1.

Smitty loved being a police officer and working in the community he grew up in. He was a huge sports fan, a life time fan of the NY Giants and NY Yankees. He also enjoyed boating on the Hudson River and spending time with family and friends.

He is survived by his wife, Maureen; mother, Leila; sisters, Cindy Balzano (Louis), Sandra Drayton (Kevin) and brother, Thomas. He is also survived by his nephew, Matthew Balzano and nieces, Frannie and Kate Drayton. He is predeceased by his father, Robert G. Smith Sr.

A Funeral service will be held 10:30 AM, Friday at the United Methodist Church, Pearl River. Burial will follow at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, NY. Visiting is Thursday from 3:00 to 7:00 PM at Wyman-Fisher Funeral Home Inc.

Smitty as he was affectionately called had a stellar reputation within law enforcement and was beloved by the community he served. We ask you keep his family in your prayers during this difficult time.

Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Police Department Responded To A Motor Vehicle Accident Involving A Pedestrian

Published

2 days ago

December 6, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

On Thursday, December 5, 2024, at approximately 3:05 p.m., the Clarkstown Police Department responded to a motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian at the intersection of Prospect Street and South Lexow Avenue, in Nanuet.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the driver of a 1994 Grumman Food Truck, a 44-year-old male, was traveling westbound on Prospect Street when the truck experienced a mechanical issue and stalled. The driver then placed the vehicle in park and exited the truck. At this point, the driver asked a friend, a 39-year-old male, who had been following him in another vehicle, to assist him with backing the truck onto a side street.

The friend entered the food truck, placed the vehicle into neutral, and the truck began rolling back. The original driver of the truck, who has been identified as Mr. Khurram Shahzad, a 44-year-old male from Albany, positioned himself behind the vehicle to help direct the operator. During the process, the truck’s brakes reportedly failed to engage, and the vehicle unexpectedly struck Mr. Shahzad, causing severe injuries. The operator of the truck remained on scene.

The Clarkstown Police, along with the Nanuet Community Ambulance Corps and Rockland Paramedics, arrived on the scene promptly to administer medical aid. Mr. Shahzad was transported from the scene to Montefiore Nyack Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased.

The Clarkstown Police Department’s Accident Investigation Unit is continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. Anyone who may have witnessed the accident is asked to contact the Clarkstown Police Accident Investigation Unit at (845) 639-5800.

Police/Fire/EMS

HPD Has Updated Traffic Pattern To Begin December 3rd

Published

5 days ago

December 2, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Due to the next phase of construction of the Suffern Ln / Hammond Rd / Letchworth Village Rd roundabout, a new temporary traffic pattern is expected to be implemented on Tuesday, December 3, 2024. Thiells Mt Ivy Road will be closed between Rosman Road and Letchworth Village Road. A detour has been posted and all vehicles will be directed to Ridge Road.

This traffic pattern is expected to remain in effect until construction is complete through

Spring 2025.