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Rockland County PBA Endorses Mike Lawler for State Assembly Race

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5 years ago

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PEARL RIVER, NY – The Rockland County PBA announced they will be endorsing Mike Lawler in his race for the 97th Assembly District.

Lawler, who is running on a platform of repealing cashless bail, public safety, and additional funding for law enforcement, spoke about the importance of the Rockland County PBA’s endorsement in this close Assembly race.

“It’s an honor to have the strong support of the Rockland County PBA and I am grateful for the men and women who serve and protect our communities every day,” said Lawler. “As our next Assemblyman, I will work closely with the Rockland County PBA to repeal the disastrous cashless bail bill and fight to ensure they have the resources they need to do their jobs and ensure equality and justice for all New Yorkers.”

The Rockland County Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association was founded in 1966 and represents the men and women of the following local police departments: Clarkstown, Orangetown, Piermont, South Nyack-Grand View, Spring Valley, Stony Point, Suffern and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Civil Divisions.

“Mike is a strong supporter of law enforcement who will fight for us in Albany,” said Larry Ayers, President of the Rockland County PBA. “Mike is the only candidate who will work with us to keep Rockland County families safe. His opponent is a radical, out-of-touch legislator who brazenly co-sponsored the dangerous cashless bail law, which was passed without any input from law enforcement and made our communities less safe. He has our full support and we strongly endorse his candidacy for State Assembly.”

“Mike’s commitment to keeping Rockland County safe speaks for itself,” commented Nick Whalen, President of the Orangetown PBA. “His desire to work with law enforcement, not against us, is what led us to give him our full support. Ellen Jaffee didn’t even bother to ask us what we thought about cashless bail before she co-sponsored that disastrous bill. That won’t happen again with Mike Lawler in Albany.”

“Mike has demonstrated time and again his support for the brave men and women of the law enforcement community,” remarked Conor Fitzgerald, President of the South Nyack-Grandview PBA. “Without question, he is the only candidate we can rely on to have our backs in Albany.”

“Ellen Jaffee has failed our community for far too long,” said Matt Galli, President of the Spring Valley PBA. “She has turned a blind eye to the needs of law enforcement officers and families in the 97th Assembly District, and that needs to end. Mike Lawler will always stand with law enforcement and ensure our communities remain safe.”

“As a lifelong Rockland County resident, Mike Lawler knows where our communities are succeeding and struggling,” said Billy Simurra, President of the Suffern PBA. “He is committed to taking steps to repeal the controversial bail reform law, putting the power to protect communities back into the hands of locally elected judges from repeat offenders with no community ties.”

“In addition, Mike wants to work with law enforcement officials as well as community leaders to ensure that communities are safer than ever, and that law enforcement is a part of the team facilitating that safety,” concluded Simurra.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Mike Lawler will be an excellent representative of our district, and one that stands with law enforcement, rather than against it,” said Steve Leuthner, President of the Piermont PBA. “Ellen Jaffee should be ashamed of herself for co-authoring the disastrous cashless bail bill and must be voted out this November.”

Last month, Lawler received the endorsement of former NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly.

 

 

Mike Lawler is a lifelong Rockland County resident and currently serves as Deputy Town Supervisor in Orangetown under Supervisor Teresa Kenny. He previously worked in the Westchester County Executive’s Office as an advisor to Rob Astorino, where he dealt with issues ranging from the county budget to public policy and community outreach initiatives.

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Stony Point Fire District Receives New Turnout Gear and Wildfire Equipment Thanks to $50K Grant Secured by Senator Harckham

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8 hours ago

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June 25, 2025

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Stony Point, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has received critical turnout gear and specialized wildfire equipment, purchased through a $50,000 state grant he secured to support local first responders.

“The brave Stony Point firefighters deserve our gratitude—and the very best tools and equipment,” said Senator Harckham. “These upgraded suits, including specialized wildfire gear, are essential as we face increasing extreme weather and fire risk. I’m proud to support our firefighters while helping ease the burden on local taxpayers.”

The funding was awarded through the Community Resiliency, Economic Sustainability, and Technology (CREST) Program, administered by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY).

🔥 Upgraded Gear Includes:

  • Modern protective turnout clothing: jackets, pants, helmets, boots

  • Specialized wildland firefighting suits designed for extreme heat and rugged terrain

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we are deeply grateful to Senator Harckham for championing this vital funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, Chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This advanced gear meets the evolving demands of today’s firefighting.”

“Our firefighters are our greatest asset, and nothing is more important than ensuring their safety,” said Kurt Mulligan, Chief of the Stony Point Fire District. “We’re proud and grateful that Senator Harckham shares our commitment to equipping those who put their lives on the line for our community.”

The new gear ensures firefighters are fully equipped to handle emergencies ranging from structural fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

Senator Harckham has delivered a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point and the North Rockland Central School District since these areas became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.
Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has secured over $30 million in New York State Senate funding for municipalities, first responders, and nonprofits throughout his district.

📸 Attached Photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with (l-r) Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners Chair Kevin Huslinger, SPFD Chief Kurt Mulligan, and SPFD Treasurer Brendan Martin.
📷 Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons

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Police/Fire/EMS

North Rockland Emergency Services Conduct Large-Scale Train Derailment Drill in Haverstraw

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2 days ago

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June 24, 2025

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Haverstraw, NY — On Sunday, June 22, volunteer firefighters and multiple emergency service agencies took part in a train derailment emergency response drill in the Villages of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw, simulating a real-world rail incident as part of an ongoing regional preparedness effort.

The exercise was organized by the North Rockland Emergency Rail Organization (NERO), a specialized task force formed to ensure readiness in the event of a rail-related emergency in Rockland County. The full-scale drill tested coordination, communication, and tactical response among first responders, fire departments, EMS, law enforcement, and supporting agencies.

The simulation included staged scenarios that mimicked real-life derailment conditions—complete with mock casualties, emergency triage areas, and containment procedures—offering a valuable hands-on experience for participants.

Agencies participating in the exercise included:

The West Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department
The Haverstraw Volunteer Fire Department
The Thiells Volunteer Fire Department
Chris Jensen and the Rockland County Office of Fire and Emergency Services
The Town of Haverstraw Police Department
Mayor Robert D’Amelio and the Village of West Haverstraw Board
Mayor Michael Kohut and the Village of Haverstraw Board
Supervisor Howard Phillips and the Town of Haverstraw Board
Sheriff Louis Falco and The Rockland County Sheriff’s Department
The Haverstraw Volunteer Ambulance Corps.
WHFD Firefighter Joe DeLucia
The Rockland County Volunteer Hazardous Materials Team
RC Volunteer Deputy Fire Coordinators & Chiefs – Thomas McKiernan, Michael Yannazzone Jr., Patrick Pasculo, & Bobby LaGrow
The Rockland County Volunteer Fire Police Officers Association
Veolia Water Company
Orange and Rockland Utilities
CSX Transportation Inc.
Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary
West Haverstraw DPW Superintendent Anthony Sparta and his staff

NERO and local officials extended their sincere thanks to the residents and businesses of West Haverstraw and Haverstraw for their patience and cooperation during the drill. The exercise did temporarily impact local traffic and noise levels, but residents overwhelmingly supported the initiative, recognizing the importance of proactive preparedness.

This event underscores the ongoing commitment of North Rockland emergency service agencies to mitigate disasters and respond quickly and effectively when real emergencies strike.

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