Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Appoints James S. Fay Jr. as New Police Chief, Effective April 2026

Published

2 months ago

April 11, 2026

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.

Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Police Department Promotes Matt Sheehy to Lieutenant

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Clarkstown Police Department has announced the promotion of Sgt. Matt Sheehy to the rank of lieutenant.

Lt. Sheehy most recently served as the department’s Administrative Sergeant and has held several leadership and specialized assignments throughout his career with the department.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, Sheehy has served as a member of the Honor Guard, participated in the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, supervised the department’s Bike Unit, and worked as a police academy instructor.

He has also been active in law enforcement advocacy and labor organizations, serving as an executive board member of the Rockland County PBA and as a committee member for the Clarkstown Police Department PBA.

Department officials said Lt. Sheehy will now be assigned to the Patrol Division, where he will continue serving the Clarkstown community.

The department congratulated Sheehy on his promotion, calling it well deserved and recognizing his years of dedication and professionalism in law enforcement.

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Officers, EMT Honored After Hudson River Rescue Saves Man’s Life

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Two Haverstraw police officers and an off-duty EMT were recognized this week for their heroic actions in rescuing an unconscious man from the Hudson River last summer.

According to the Haverstraw Police Department, Officer Matthew Mancuso, Officer Cassandra Marrero, and off-duty EMT Stephanie Torres responded to an emergency at Emeline Park in August 2025 involving a 52-year-old man who had become unresponsive in the water.

Authorities said the victim was located approximately 100 feet from the shoreline when the rescue effort began. Mancuso, Marrero, and Torres entered the Hudson River, reached the unconscious man, and pulled him safely back to shore.

Once on land, the trio immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures, successfully restoring the man’s pulse before emergency medical crews transported him to a local hospital for further evaluation. Officials confirmed the man survived the incident.

This week, the three rescuers were formally recognized by John Gould Jr. for their quick response, bravery, and coordinated efforts that helped save the man’s life.

Officials praised the actions of both on-duty responders and civilians who work together during emergencies, noting that the rescue demonstrated exceptional courage and teamwork under pressure.