Police/Fire/EMS

Rockland County Mourns the Loss of Hero Firefighter Fredrick Simms Jr.

Published

1 year ago

June 14, 2025

In Loving Memory of FDNY Captain and Tappan Fire Department Ex-Chief Fredrick Simms Jr.

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of FDNY Captain and Tappan Fire Department Ex-Chief Fredrick Simms Jr., who courageously fought a long battle with 9/11-related cancer.

Freddie was the embodiment of dedication to the fire service. He joined the Tappan Fire Department in March 1998, rising through the ranks from Assistant Engineer to Chief of Department, serving honorably from 2014 to 2016.

On July 15, 2001, Freddie began his career with the FDNY at Ladder Company 58 in the Bronx. He was later promoted to Lieutenant at Ladder Company 40 in Harlem and eventually returned to his roots as Captain of 58 Truck.

His commitment extended beyond the firehouse. Freddie was a New York State Fire Instructor at the Rockland County Fire Training Center, a member of the Orangetown Fire Chiefs Council, and since 2016, served as Rockland County Deputy Fire Coordinator, proudly holding the designation 44-3.

Fredrick Simms Jr. left an indelible mark on Rockland County, making it a better and safer place through his service, leadership, and unwavering courage.

Please keep the Simms family, his FDNY brothers and sisters, and the members of the Tappan Fire Department in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Join No-Shave November to Support Cancer Awareness 2026

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents may notice a few more beards among the officers of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department this November, and it’s all for a good cause.

The department announced that officers are participating in No-Shave November, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

With approval from Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board and the Chief of Police, participating officers will be putting down their razors for the month while supporting the charitable initiative.

Each participating officer will also make a personal donation to help support the effort.

The department encourages residents not to be surprised if they see officers sporting some extra facial hair throughout November, noting that it’s not a change in grooming standards but rather a way to show support for an important cause.

No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair growth while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

Police/Fire/EMS

Chestnut Ridge Middle School Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation October 29, 2026

Published

6 days ago

October 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Students and staff were evacuated from Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a reported bomb threat, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. Students and staff were safely evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with a search of the school. Explosive detection K-9 units from the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office participated in the search.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit also assisted at the scene.

No explosive devices were found during the search, police confirmed.

Emergency personnel from the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also staged at an off-site location and remained ready to respond if needed.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.