Police/Fire/EMS

Fire Damages Two-Story Home in Tappan

Published

2 years ago

December 31, 2023

TAPPAN, NY – On December 28th at 16:40 hours, Department 21, alongside 16-99 (Sparkill FD) & 13-FAST (Piermont FD), responded to a reported structure fire at 26 Windsor Brook Lane in Tappan.

21-2 arrived on scene two minutes after dispatch, reporting “fire showing out of the front of the house” and transmitted a signal-12. Subsequently, 21-2 adjusted Department 13’s initial FAST team request to an engine and requested 2-FAST (Central Nyack FD) to the scene.Shorty after 21-1 arrived on scene and assumed command, allowing 21-2 to take operations. 21-2 & 21-5 entered the structure, conducting a primary search, revealing no occupants. They reported a fully involved basement, extending to the 1st floor with fire progressing to the 2nd level.

16-99, the first due ladder company, set up on the roof, with 13-Squad, 21-1502 & 21-1500 as the first, second, and third due engine companies. A water source from a hydrant on Kings Highway was secured, and within minutes, two hose lines were directed to the basement, followed by an additional line to the second floor.

Upon the arrival of the initial companies, a ladder from Old Tappan, NJ, and an engine from Northvale, NJ were requested to relocate to 21-100. 21-Command then requested 2 engines to the scene, 1 from Department 11 (Orangeburg FD) and 1 from Department 1 (Blauvelt FD), along with a FAST Truck from Department 10 (Nyack FD). Later, 21-Command requested additional mutual aid, involving an engine from Department 24 (West Nyack FD) and an engine from Department 8 (Nanuet FD).
At 17:11 hours, 21-Command reported that the main body of fire has been extinguishe, initiating extensive overhaul. The incident was declared under control, and a Signal-11 was transmitted at 18:34 hours.

The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan received additional support on scene from 44-2, 44-6, 44-12, The Orangetown Police Department, The South Orangetown Ambulance Corp, and Piermont FD EMS (13-EM).
The cause of the fire is pending investigation by Orangetown Fire Inspectors and the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Unit.

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.