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

Published

12 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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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms — Here’s Where to Get Help

Published

2 weeks ago

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October 4, 2026

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Domestic Violence Can Take Many Forms: Resources Are Available

Domestic violence is not limited to physical or sexual abuse. It can also include psychological and emotional abuse, threats, intimidation, manipulation, and economic coercion.

Abusers may use a variety of tactics to frighten, manipulate, isolate, blame or harm victims as a way of maintaining power and control.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, help is available. You are not alone.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Domestic Violence Resources

Rockland County Center for Safety and Change
Hotline: 845-634-3344
Website: centerforsafetyandchange.org

The Center for Safety and Change provides support and resources for individuals and families affected by domestic violence and other forms of abuse.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence
Hotline: 1-800-942-6906
Website: opdv.ny.gov

The New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence provides information, assistance and resources related to domestic violence throughout New York.

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Website: thehotline.org

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides confidential support, information and resources for people experiencing domestic violence, as well as friends and family members seeking guidance.

If you or someone you know is being abused, reaching out for help can be an important first step. If there is an immediate threat to your safety, call 911.

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Government

Rockland County Residents Urged to Check for Water Leaks

Published

2 weeks ago

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September 28, 2026

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A simple home water audit can help residents find hidden leaks, reduce water waste and lower household utility bills.

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Water Advisory Council is encouraging residents to conduct a simple home water audit to identify hidden leaks, improve water efficiency, reduce utility costs and help protect the county’s long-term water resources.

While homeowners often focus on conserving water outdoors during the summer, indoor water use can account for a significant portion of a household’s overall water consumption. Small leaks, aging plumbing fixtures and inefficient appliances can waste thousands of gallons of water each year without being noticed.

A home water audit can help residents identify where water is being wasted and find opportunities to conserve.

Four Simple Ways to Check Your Home

The Water Advisory Council recommends that residents start by:

  • Checking the water meter: Make sure no water is being used in the home, then check the meter. Movement may indicate a hidden leak.
  • Testing toilets for leaks: Use dye tablets to check for silent toilet leaks that may otherwise go unnoticed.
  • Upgrading plumbing fixtures: Consider replacing older fixtures with WaterSense®-labeled products, which are designed to use less water while maintaining performance.
  • Inspecting irrigation systems: Check outdoor irrigation equipment for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and other problems that can waste hundreds of gallons of water during the summer.

Free Water Conservation Resources Available

Rockland County residents can also access resources designed to make water conservation easier.

Residents can visit EPA WaterSense for information about saving water at home and use educational materials available through the Rockland County Water Hero program.

Rebates are also available through Veolia for qualifying WaterSense® products. Eligible products may include select toilets, showerheads, clothes washers, irrigation controllers and rain barrels.

The Water Advisory Council is also offering free water conservation tools, including:

  • Shower timers
  • Toilet leak-detection tablets
  • Moisture meters

Supplies are limited. Residents can pick up the tools at the Water Advisory Council office, find them at community events, or request them by signing up to become an H2O Hero through the Rockland Water Hero program. Visit Rockland Water Hero

The Rockland County Water Conservation Project is funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.

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