Government

Women’s History Month Rockland County, Nominate a Veteran

Published

2 years ago

January 18, 2024

New City, NY – In honor of Women’s History Month, Rockland County Executive Ed Day & our Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam are calling for nominations for our next Freedom Award Winner. The award honors a female veteran’s outstanding service and continued commitment to her community, organization, or cause.

The County plans to then select someone who will be honored for providing exemplary public service that is having a positive impact in Rockland. Submission deadline is February 16, 2024 and can be done online by emailing vainterns@co.rockland.ny.us.

The winners will later be announced and honored by the County Executive & Veterans Service Agency in March. Nomination forms can be found by clicking here.

Military women have served the nation with valor and distinction since the American Revolution. They have broken down barriers and paved the way toward gender equity in the military and civilian workplace. In March, Rockland County presents the FREEDOM AWARD to a woman veteran to recognize her outstanding service, and continued commitment to her community, organization, or cause. We are currently taking nominations for the 2024 award recipient! If you would like to be considered for this award, or if you know a woman veteran and wish to nominate her, stop by our office for a nomination form, or email vainterns@co.rockland.ny.us. For more information call 845-638-5244.

Nomination Criteria:
1. Must currently reside in Rockland County
2. Must be a female veteran, with a DD 214 (discharge document) issued by
the Department of Defense
3. Must be willing to participate in awards ceremony

Government

Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

Published

1 day ago

May 9, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

Published

3 days ago

May 7, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.