Police/Fire/EMS

Rockland Paramedic Services Adds CYANOKIT to Enhance Emergency Response

Published

3 months ago

August 1, 2026

Rockland Paramedic Services (RPS) has expanded its advanced life support capabilities by adding CYANOKIT®, a lifesaving antidote used to treat suspected cyanide poisoning caused by smoke inhalation during enclosed-space fires.

The medication allows paramedics to begin treatment before patients reach the hospital, improving emergency care for both residents and firefighters.

While smoke inhalation is often associated with carbon monoxide, modern house fires also produce hydrogen cyanide when synthetic materials such as furniture, plastics and electronics burn. Exposure to both toxins can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.

Studies have found cyanide poisoning in about half of enclosed-space fire survivors and nearly 60% of fire-related fatalities, highlighting the importance of rapid treatment.

RPS has placed 14 CYANOKITs throughout its fleet, ensuring the antidote is readily available across Rockland County. The investment reflects the agency’s ongoing commitment to providing advanced, evidence-based emergency medical care for the community and its first responders.

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Join No-Shave November to Support Cancer Awareness 2026

Published

3 days ago

November 2, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents may notice a few more beards among the officers of the Town of Haverstraw Police Department this November, and it’s all for a good cause.

The department announced that officers are participating in No-Shave November, an annual campaign that raises awareness and funds for cancer-related causes.

With approval from Town Supervisor Howard Phillips, the Town Board and the Chief of Police, participating officers will be putting down their razors for the month while supporting the charitable initiative.

Each participating officer will also make a personal donation to help support the effort.

The department encourages residents not to be surprised if they see officers sporting some extra facial hair throughout November, noting that it’s not a change in grooming standards but rather a way to show support for an important cause.

No-Shave November encourages participants to embrace their natural hair growth while raising awareness and funds for cancer research and support programs.

Police/Fire/EMS

Chestnut Ridge Middle School Bomb Threat Prompts Evacuation October 29, 2026

Published

5 days ago

October 30, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Students and staff were evacuated from Chestnut Ridge Middle School on Thursday, October 29, 2026, following a reported bomb threat, according to the Ramapo Police Department.

Police said officers responded to the school at approximately 1:11 p.m. after receiving a report of a bomb threat. Students and staff were safely evacuated from the building and transported to an off-site location.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to assist with a search of the school. Explosive detection K-9 units from the Ramapo Police Department, Rockland County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, Town of Woodbury Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office participated in the search.

The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Disposal Unit also assisted at the scene.

No explosive devices were found during the search, police confirmed.

Emergency personnel from the South Spring Valley Fire Department, Monsey Fire Department and William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps were also staged at an off-site location and remained ready to respond if needed.

The Ramapo Police Department’s Investigations Division is continuing to investigate the incident, with assistance from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Ramapo Police Department at 845-357-2400. Police said all calls will be kept confidential.