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Rockland County Passes Jared Lloyd Act to Aid Families of Fallen Volunteer Firefighters and EMS

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10 months ago

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NEW CITY, NY – The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved an expansion of a local law aimed at supporting the families of fallen volunteers. The revised legislation also honors the legacy of Spring Valley Volunteer Firefighter Jared Lloyd, who lost his life in the line of duty in 2021.

The law, formerly known as the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, will now be titled the Jared Lloyd Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, or simply, the Jared Lloyd Act.

“Jared made the supreme sacrifice as he carried out his firefighting duties, and naming this law after him is the right thing to do,” said Legislator Paul Cleary, chair of the Legislature’s Public Safety Committee and sponsor of the legislation.

The updated law expands eligibility to include more volunteer first responders and their surviving family members. It offers up to $1 million in financial support to the families of:

  • Volunteer Firefighters

  • Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Personnel

  • Auxiliary Police Officers

  • Hazardous Materials (HazMat) and Technical Rescue Team Members

Legislator Cleary said he was moved to act after seeing numerous fundraisers launched to support the families of deceased volunteers.

“I was shocked and appalled that the families of volunteers who put their lives on the line for the community were left struggling—often greatly—because the main breadwinner had died in service to their neighbors,” Cleary said.

In drafting the legislation, Cleary consulted with members of the fire, EMS, and auxiliary police communities, as well as the Rockland County Executive’s Office.

Jared Lloyd, a 35-year-old second lieutenant with the Spring Valley Volunteer Fire Department, died on March 23, 2021, while ensuring all residents were evacuated from the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, a nursing home in Spring Valley. Thanks to the heroic efforts of Lloyd and fellow rescuers, 112 residents were saved. Tragically, one resident, Oliver Hueston, 79, also died in the fire.

Lloyd’s bravery and sacrifice have since become a symbol of selflessness and heroism in Rockland County. The renaming of the law in his honor ensures that his legacy will continue to support and protect the families of those who serve their communities in the most critical moments.

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Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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1 week ago

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August 9, 2026

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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1 week ago

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August 8, 2026

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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