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

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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

Thiells Fire Department Leads Response to Haverstraw Chimney Fire with Multiple Mutual-Aid Crews

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The Thiells Fire Department, along with multiple mutual-aid agencies, responded to a reported chimney fire at a two-story split-level home in Haverstraw, where arriving units confirmed an active fire on the rear (“4 side”) of the structure.

Upon arrival, Chief Connolly (26-1) confirmed a working fire and requested the Stony Point Fire Department FASTeam to the scene. Command also notified all units that the home was equipped with solar panels, adding an additional safety concern for responding crews.

First Assistant Chief Jeff Kahn (26-2), assigned to interior operations, reported that the fire had extended inside the walls of the residence.

Engine 26-1501 stretched a 1¾-inch attack line to the rear of the home to knock down visible exterior fire, while a second crew secured power to the solar panels. 26-Tanker flushed the hydrant and stretched a second attack line into the structure.

Interior teams pulled ceilings and walls, locating active fire inside the living room wall. Fire was quickly knocked down and contained to its area of origin. Meanwhile, 23-99 set up in front of the residence and initiated roof operations.

Hillcrest Fire Department provided an engine and manpower to support interior crews, while the Haverstraw Fire Department stood by in quarters with an engine during the operation.

Officials thanked all mutual-aid companies, the department’s Ladies Auxiliary, Haverstraw Police, Haverstraw EMS, the Town of Haverstraw DPW, and Orange & Rockland Utilities for assisting at the scene.

The incident was logged as Incident #288. No injuries were reported.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Ramapo Police: Vintage Military Device Discovered During Home Cleanout

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HILLCREST, N.Y. — A piece of decades-old military ordnance was safely removed from a Hillcrest residence Sunday evening after being discovered during a basement cleanout, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police were called to the home after the homeowner found what appeared to be an old munitions device, believed to have belonged to a Korean War veteran who once lived at the property. Because it was unclear whether the device was still active, officers contacted the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit as a precaution.

Bomb technicians responded to the scene, evaluated the device using specialized equipment, and safely removed it from the home. Authorities said the situation was handled without incident, and no residents were injured.

Police reported that everything was resolved smoothly and there was no threat to the surrounding neighborhood.

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