Police/Fire/EMS

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

Published

2 years ago

February 9, 2024

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.

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.