Police/Fire/EMS

Remembering Apollo: NYPD K-9 Hero of 9/11 Ground Zero Rescue

Published

7 months ago

September 12, 2025

On the morning of September 11, 2001, Apollo, a German Shepherd with the NYPD’s K-9 Unit, was set to receive an award for excellence in service. Instead, he ran headfirst into history.

Just minutes after the collapse of the Twin Towers, Apollo and his handler, Officer Peter Davis, arrived at Ground Zero—making him the first search-and-rescue dog on site. Amid smoke, twisted steel, and waist-deep debris-filled water, Apollo began searching for life in the rubble.

At one point, a fireball and falling debris engulfed him. By chance, moments earlier, he had fallen into a water-filled hole—soaking his fur and likely saving his life. Officer Davis brushed off the embers, and without hesitation, Apollo returned to work.

With singed fur and cracked paw pads, Apollo continued tirelessly alongside first responders, a steady, fearless presence amid unprecedented devastation. His work in those crucial early hours—and in the days that followed—made him an enduring symbol of devotion and courage.

A National Symbol of Bravery

In recognition of his service, Apollo was later awarded the PDSA Dickin Medal, often referred to as the animal equivalent of the Victoria Cross. The award was given not just to honor Apollo, but on behalf of all the working dogs who searched tirelessly through the rubble of Ground Zero.

“He wasn’t just a dog doing a job—he was a partner, a hero, and a symbol of resilience,” said an NYPD spokesperson during a memorial held in his honor.

A Legacy That Lives On

Apollo’s legacy continues to inspire K-9 units across the country. Each year on 9/11, officers and handlers remember not just the human toll, but the canine heroes who worked side-by-side with them—without question, without fear.

The story of Apollo reminds us of the many forms that heroism can take—and the silent, loyal figures who often work in the background during our darkest hours.

Police/Fire/EMS

Unidentified Man Found Dead in Spring Valley; Ramapo Police Investigating

Published

5 days ago

April 19, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

SPRING VALLEY, NY — Authorities are investigating after a man was found dead early Saturday morning in the Town of Ramapo.

According to the Ramapo Police Department, officers responded around 7:15 a.m. on April 18, 2026, to a report of a deceased individual near Park Avenue in Spring Valley. At the scene, officers discovered the body of an unidentified male, believed to be between 27 and 34 years old, beneath a parked truck. Police say there is currently no indication that the vehicle itself was involved in the incident.

Preliminary findings suggest the death did not occur immediately prior to the discovery. The circumstances remain unclear and are under active investigation.

The department’s Investigations Unit, along with crash investigators and accident reconstruction teams, responded to the scene and are working to determine what happened. Authorities are also pursuing leads to identify the individual.

The Ramapo Police Department is coordinating with the Spring Valley Police Department, and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office as the investigation continues.

Officials emphasized that there is no known threat to the public at this time. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Police/Fire/EMS

Suffern Police Check ATMs for Skimmers, Report No Threats Detected

Published

2 weeks 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.