Connect with us

Police/Fire/EMS

Tappan FD Announce Passing of 70 Year Life Member and Ex-Chief Richard Pforte Sr.

Published

on

TAPPAN, NY – The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan announce the passing of 70 Year Life Member and Ex-Chief Richard Pforte Sr. (1935-2024)

Richard joined the Tappan Fire Department in 1954, making remarkable contributions to both the department and the broader improvement of fire services in Orangetown.

Among his most notable achievements were:
– Serving as a Department Officer from 1960 to 1969.
– Holding the position of Chief of the Department from 1967 to 1969.
– Introducing a fire dispatch system (21-102) to the Town of Orangetown, initially operated by the Orangetown Police Department. This system set the precedent for how fire departments in Orangetown would be dispatched, leading up to the adoption of the current 9-1-1 system, now operated by RCS Radio HQ (44-Control).
– Being the main brain behind the in-house construction of a 1965 Ford equipment vehicle (21-EQ).
– Initiating and serving on our Kitchen Committee for many years.

Wake services were held on Monday, February 5th at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan from 3pm-9pm, with a firematic service held at 6pm.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, February 6th at 10 am at Our Lady of Sacred Heart Church with burial to follow at Rockland Cemetery.

The Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan extends our sincerest condolences to the Pforte family. Richard was a dedicated member of our department and his absence will be deeply.

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Detective Michael Cruger Retires After 30 Years of Law Enforcement Service

Published

on

HAVERSTRAW, NY — The Haverstraw Police Department proudly honored Detective Michael Cruger, who is retiring after a distinguished 20-year career with the department and an impressive 30 years of total service in law enforcement.

Detective Cruger has earned admiration and respect for his exceptional investigative work, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the safety of the Haverstraw community. He is known for his mentorship and leadership, Cruger played a pivotal role in training and guiding new investigators throughout his career.

Before joining the department, Cruger served for a decade as a Correctional Officer at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, where he was also a member of the elite Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT). In 2005, he transitioned to the Haverstraw Police Department, where he began as a patrol officer and later served as a Field Training Officer—demonstrating excellence and a commitment to fostering the next generation of officers.

In 2013, he was promoted to Detective, leading numerous high-profile investigations and becoming a trusted figure in the community. His reputation for being meticulous, ethical, and compassionate earned him the respect of both colleagues and residents alike.

As Detective Cruger embarks on a well-earned retirement, the Town of Haverstraw and the entire Rockland County community extend their deepest gratitude for his service and wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life.

Photos by Haverstraw PD

Continue Reading

Police/Fire/EMS

Vehicle Crashes Into New City Bagels & Deli on South Little Tor Road in Clarkstown – No Injuries Reported

Published

on

NEW CITY, NY — On Friday, May 30, 2025, a car crashed into the front entrance of New City Bagels & Deli, located at 255 South Little Tor Road, around 2:30 PM, prompting an emergency response from local authorities.

According to the Clarkstown Police Department, the driver mistakenly accelerated while attempting to park, causing the vehicle to lurch forward and collide with the building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the incident.

In response to the crash, both the Clarkstown Building Inspector and Fire Inspector were dispatched to the scene to assess structural damage and ensure the safety of the premises. The extent of the damage to the deli is currently under evaluation.

The business, a place in New City known for its bagels and breakfast sandwiches, was open at the time, but no customers or staff were harmed.

Continue Reading

Trending