Police/Fire/EMS

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

Published

4 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

Haverstraw Police Join No-Shave November to Support Cancer Awareness 2026

Published

2 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents may notice a few more beards among the officers of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department this November, and it’s all for a good cause.

The department announced that officers are participating in No-Shave November, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

With approval from Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board and the Chief of Police, participating officers will be putting down their razors for the month while supporting the charitable initiative.

Each participating officer will also make a personal donation to help support the effort.

The department encourages residents not to be surprised if they see officers sporting some extra facial hair throughout November, noting that it’s not a change in grooming standards but rather a way to show support for an important cause.

No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair growth while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

Police/Fire/EMS

Chestnut Ridge Middle School Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation October 29, 2026

Published

5 days ago

October 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Students and staff were evacuated from Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a reported bomb threat, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. Students and staff were safely evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with a search of the school. Explosive detection K-9 units from the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office participated in the search.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit also assisted at the scene.

No explosive devices were found during the search, police confirmed.

Emergency personnel from the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also staged at an off-site location and remained ready to respond if needed.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.