Police/Fire/EMS

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

Published

2 years 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

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

Published

3 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

6 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.