Police/Fire/EMS

CPD Would Like To Remind Everyone Of The Dangers Of Leaving Children Or Pets In Hot Vehicles

Published

2 years ago

July 18, 2024

On July 16, 2024, at approximately 2:15 p.m., the Clarkstown Police Department received a call stating that a young child had been locked in a vehicle on a day when temperatures reached 98 degrees at Costco, 50 Overlook Blvd., in Nanuet.

The first arriving officer came upon the vehicle, where he was met by the father, who stated his son was locked in his vehicle. The officer, observing the child in the back seat and, at this time, not being able to determine how long the child was in the car, took immediate action and broke the vehicle window. The child was alert and conscious when he was removed from the vehicle. In doing so, he was able to safely remove the child, who was then quickly turned over to Nanuet Community Ambulance and Rockland Paramedic personnel that were on scene. The child was then transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital for further evaluation. The child was inside the vehicle for approximately 15 minutes prior to being rescued.

Upon further investigation by the officer, it was determined that the father had returned to his vehicle to retrieve his wallet. While doing so, he placed the child in the backseat while he searched the trunk. The father closed the trunk and quickly realized that he had locked his son inside the vehicle. After futile attempts to gain entry to the vehicle, he ran to get help. We would like to thank all of the bystanders on scene, who offered assistance during this event. There was deemed to be no criminality in this incident.

The Clarkstown Police Department would like to remind everyone of the dangers of leaving children or pets in hot vehicles. On warm days, the temperature inside a car can rise by 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just 10 minutes, and children can heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults, making them particularly vulnerable to heat-related illnesses. In 2021, 23 children tragically lost their lives due to heat-related deaths in vehicles in the U.S. Pets, too, face serious health risks from heat exhaustion. Please help keep our community safe by never leaving children or pets alone in vehicles, even for a short time, and if you see someone in distress, contact emergency personnel immediately.

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.