Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police Respond to Inaccurate WPDH Report About Hudson Valley Police Activity

Published

1 month ago

March 8, 2026

RAMAPO, NY — The Ramapo Police Department is addressing what officials say was inaccurate reporting in a recent social media post by 101.5 WPDH regarding police activity on a Hudson Valley street.

According to Ramapo Police, the WPDH headline described the situation as “chaos” and suggested there had been an “oopsie” or a “mistake by police.” Officials say those descriptions do not reflect what actually occurred.

Police said officers responded to the location after being notified by a county agency conducting an inspection that had identified suspicious-looking fluids. Because officers are not chemical experts, the Rockland County Hazardous Materials Team was requested to respond and evaluate the substance in accordance with standard public safety protocols.

Authorities said the response was precautionary and followed established procedures used when an unknown substance is encountered.

“There was no chaos, no mistake by police, and no misunderstanding,” officials said in a statement. “The response was calm, controlled, and precautionary.”

Police also noted that weather conditions at the time included periods of heavy rainfall, which resulted in minimal pedestrian activity in the area.

Officials emphasized that calling in trained hazardous materials specialists is the appropriate response when officers encounter a potential chemical hazard.

The department added that while officers are committed to protecting public safety, accurate reporting is important when describing emergency responses.

“Public safety deserves accuracy, not sensationalism,” the department said.

Police/Fire/EMS

Suffern Police Check ATMs for Skimmers, Report No Threats Detected

Published

3 days 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

4 days 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.