Police/Fire/EMS

Rockland Resident and Retired FDNY Captain Frank Portelle Passes Away from WTC Related Illness

Published

5 years ago

March 17, 2021

It is with deep sadness we report the passing of Rockland resident and retired FDNY Captain Frank A Portelle, Engine Company 50, who lost his battle with WTC related illness on Saturday, March 13, 2021.

In 1996, Frank became a firefighter with the FDNY where his career began at Engine 228, Brooklyn he then went on to spend a majority of his career at Ladder 13, Manhattan and then Lieutenant and Captain of Engine 50, Bronx. Capt. Portelle would serve for 24 with the FDNY.

Frank, who resided in Pearl River with his family, had an infectious laugh and was always the life of the party. He loved good food, working in his yard, starting another home project, the first to always lend a hand, loved spending time with his family and friends. Anyone who knew him knows if he wasn’t doing one of those things he could be found on the golf course, he especially loved playing with Valerie.

In lieu of flowers. The family asks that donations in memory of Capt. Portelle be made to any of the following organizations:

https://glioblastomafoundation.org/

https://www.nyffburncenter.com
Or
https://www.fdnyfoundation.org

We will #neverforget Captain Frank A Portelle

https://www.tributearchive.com/obituaries/20309950/Frank-A-Portelle/Pearl-River/New-York/Joseph-W-Sorce-Funeral-Home-Inc

Police/Fire/EMS

Suffern Police Check ATMs for Skimmers, Report No Threats Detected

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Suffern Police Department Detective Bureau, in partnership with the Rockland County Intelligence Center, recently conducted a proactive sweep of 35 local businesses to check for ATM and credit card skimming devices. No devices were detected.

Skimming devices are illegal tools used by criminals to capture payment card information during legitimate transactions—often without the victim’s knowledge. This stolen data can then be used to commit fraud and identity theft.

Proactive enforcement efforts like this play a critical role in safeguarding the community by preventing financial crimes before they occur and protecting both residents and local businesses. The Suffern Police Department remains committed to staying ahead of emerging threats and ensuring the continued safety and security of the community.

Police/Fire/EMS

Clarkstown Appoints James S. Fay Jr. as New Police Chief, Effective April 2026

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

New City, NY — Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board have appointed Capt. James S. Fay, Jr. as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Clarkstown, effective April 24, 2026.

He will succeed Jeffrey Wanamaker, who is retiring after an impressive 39-year career with the Clarkstown Police Department, including serving as Chief since 2021. The Town plans to formally recognize Wanamaker’s service later this month.

About Incoming Chief James S. Fay, Jr.

Capt. Fay brings 32 years of experience within the Clarkstown Police Department, with a career spanning both operational and administrative leadership:

Specialized Units & Investigations
- Narcotics and organized crime investigations
- Investigator with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force
- Established and led the Street Crime Unit
- Served in the Juvenile Aid Bureau, handling sensitive cases involving children and family court
Emergency & Tactical Experience
- Over a decade with the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT)
- First responder at the September 11 terrorist attacks
Leadership Roles
- Supervised patrol operations and field training
- Oversaw Special Operations (K-9, Traffic, Anti-Crime)
- Currently serves as Operations Captain, overseeing Patrol, Detectives, and Special Operations
Labor & Community Involvement
- Former executive leader in the Police Benevolent Association
- Founding member of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce Board
- Graduate of Leadership Rockland

Supervisor Hoehmann praised both leaders, expressing gratitude to Chief Wanamaker for his decades of service and confidence in Fay as a “true public servant” committed to the department and community.