Police/Fire/EMS

Detective Wayne Mitchell Retires After 25 Years of Dedicated Service to Ramapo

Published

12 months ago

April 29, 2025

This past Friday marked the end of an era as Detective Wayne Mitchell walked out of Ramapo Police Headquarters for the final time, surrounded by local officials, family, friends, colleagues, and community members. This time-honored tradition honored the culmination of his remarkable 25-year career in law enforcement.

An Army veteran who served during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Detective Mitchell began his policing career in 2000 with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force. In 2001, he joined the Ramapo Police Department, where he served with honor and distinction in numerous roles, including Adopt-a-Cop, Firearms Training Officer, Drill Instructor, and a proud member of the Ramapo Police Honor Guard.

As a detective, he led and assisted in investigations into terroristic threats, hate crimes, and homicides. Over the years, he received numerous commendations for his outstanding police work—both internally and from outside agencies.

Please join us in expressing heartfelt gratitude to Detective Wayne Mitchell for his dedicated service to the Town of Ramapo. You have served your community with integrity and commitment. We wish you a long, healthy, and fulfilling retirement—you’ve earned it.

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.