Police/Fire/EMS

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

Published

12 months 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

Clarkstown Police Department Promotes Matt Sheehy to Lieutenant

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Clarkstown Police Department has announced the promotion of Sgt. Matt Sheehy to the rank of lieutenant.

Lt. Sheehy most recently served as the department’s Administrative Sergeant and has held several leadership and specialized assignments throughout his career with the department.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, Sheehy has served as a member of the Honor Guard, participated in the Field Training Officer (FTO) program, supervised the department’s Bike Unit, and worked as a police academy instructor.

He has also been active in law enforcement advocacy and labor organizations, serving as an executive board member of the Rockland County PBA and as a committee member for the Clarkstown Police Department PBA.

Department officials said Lt. Sheehy will now be assigned to the Patrol Division, where he will continue serving the Clarkstown community.

The department congratulated Sheehy on his promotion, calling it well deserved and recognizing his years of dedication and professionalism in law enforcement.

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Officers, EMT Honored After Hudson River Rescue Saves Man’s Life

Published

2 days ago

May 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Two Haverstraw police officers and an off-duty EMT were recognized this week for their heroic actions in rescuing an unconscious man from the Hudson River last summer.

According to the Haverstraw Police Department, Officer Matthew Mancuso, Officer Cassandra Marrero, and off-duty EMT Stephanie Torres responded to an emergency at Emeline Park in August 2025 involving a 52-year-old man who had become unresponsive in the water.

Authorities said the victim was located approximately 100 feet from the shoreline when the rescue effort began. Mancuso, Marrero, and Torres entered the Hudson River, reached the unconscious man, and pulled him safely back to shore.

Once on land, the trio immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures, successfully restoring the man’s pulse before emergency medical crews transported him to a local hospital for further evaluation. Officials confirmed the man survived the incident.

This week, the three rescuers were formally recognized by John Gould Jr. for their quick response, bravery, and coordinated efforts that helped save the man’s life.

Officials praised the actions of both on-duty responders and civilians who work together during emergencies, noting that the rescue demonstrated exceptional courage and teamwork under pressure.