Connect with us

Police/Fire/EMS

Illinois Man Dies After Tragic Fall at Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter, NY

Published

on

Hunter, NY — A 70-year-old hiker from Illinois died after suffering a fatal fall at Kaaterskill Falls, one of New York’s most popular and scenic hiking destinations, on Friday, June 20.

According to New York State Police, troopers from the Catskill barracks responded to a 911 call reporting an injured hiker at approximately 6:16 p.m. near Laurel House Road in the Town of Hunter, Greene County.

The victim, identified as Jack Wersching of Park Ridge, Illinois, was hiking in the area when he fell from a rock ledge onto the stone steps below. He suffered severe injuries, prompting immediate life-saving efforts by first responders. Tragically, despite their attempts to revive him, Wersching was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The circumstances leading up to the fall are still under investigation.

Kaaterskill Falls is known for its breathtaking views but has also become notorious for a number of accidents and fatalities over the years. Trail safety has been a significant focus for state and local agencies, with warnings posted about hazardous ledges, unstable footing, and the importance of staying on marked trails.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Police/Fire/EMS

Stony Point Police Department Construction May Limit Public Access

Published

on

Construction is underway at the Stony Point Police Department, where improvements to the station’s entrance and surrounding walkways are expected to temporarily affect public access.

The project includes replacing the department’s front steps and entrance area, along with sections of the surrounding sidewalks. During construction, access to the station lobby and police desk may be limited or difficult.

Residents who need police services or assistance are encouraged to call the Stony Point Police Department at 845-786-2422. An officer will assist callers and provide further direction.

Anyone experiencing an emergency should continue to call 911.

Police officials thanked residents for their patience and cooperation as the construction work is completed.

Continue Reading

Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Halt Test of Advanced License Plate Reader Cameras

Published

on

Ramapo Police Chief Daniel Hyman announced that the department will not move forward with a planned test of a new generation of automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras, citing privacy concerns and the need to balance law enforcement technology with constitutional protections.

Hyman said the technology being considered goes beyond the department’s existing fixed license plate readers. While current cameras primarily capture license plates to help identify wanted or stolen vehicles and assist with criminal investigations, the newer systems include advanced investigative analytics and vehicle-identification capabilities.

“Those capabilities can provide tremendous value to law enforcement, but they also raise legitimate questions about privacy and the appropriate limits of government technology,” Hyman said.

Hyman emphasized that the decision does not affect the traditional fixed LPR cameras currently used by the Ramapo Police Department and does not represent a rejection of license plate reader technology overall.

Instead, he said the department is exercising caution because of the expanded capabilities of the newer systems.

“Our responsibility is to protect both” public safety and constitutional protections, Hyman said.

Continue Reading

Trending