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“No Empty Chair” Initiative By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

1 year ago

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As we head into the final stretch of the school year, our calendars fill with proms, graduations, and family gatherings. These are joyful milestones—moments that should be filled with laughter, photographs, and pride, not tragedy.
As both a father and a former NYPD Police Commander, I know all too well how one bad decision can turn a celebration into a catastrophe. Every day, approximately 37 people lose their lives in drunk-driving crashes across the United States, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s 37 empty chairs at family dinners, graduations, and milestones that will never be experienced again.

Here in Rockland, we are taking action to help prevent these tragedies. Our Rockland County STOP DWI & Traffic Safety Office is proud to support the “No Empty Chair” initiative, a campaign backed by the New York State Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Its purpose is simple but powerful: to make sure no high school graduation or prom seat is left empty because of a preventable car crash.

We are asking every teen, parent, and community member to make smart choices and speak up when you see risky behavior. Specifically, we urge you to:

Drive responsibly
Never drink or use drugs and drive
Stay cell phone-free behind the wheel – no texting or calling
Always wear your seatbelt
If you’re in danger or unsure, make a call – it could save your life
To our young people: I know how exciting this time is for you. I want each of you to enjoy it fully—but safely. Your lives are just beginning, and your families, your schools, and your communities want nothing more than to see you succeed, thrive, and be there to celebrate the next chapter.

Let’s make sure every seat at graduation is filled, every prom photo has a full group, and every celebration ends with everyone home safe.

You matter. Let’s keep it that way.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day. Photo by the Haverstraw Police Department.

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

on

October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

3 weeks ago

on

September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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