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Thiells Fire Department Leads Response to Haverstraw Chimney Fire with Multiple Mutual-Aid Crews

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The Thiells Fire Department, along with multiple mutual-aid agencies, responded to a reported chimney fire at a two-story split-level home in Haverstraw, where arriving units confirmed an active fire on the rear (“4 side”) of the structure.

Upon arrival, Chief Connolly (26-1) confirmed a working fire and requested the Stony Point Fire Department FASTeam to the scene. Command also notified all units that the home was equipped with solar panels, adding an additional safety concern for responding crews.

First Assistant Chief Jeff Kahn (26-2), assigned to interior operations, reported that the fire had extended inside the walls of the residence.

Engine 26-1501 stretched a 1¾-inch attack line to the rear of the home to knock down visible exterior fire, while a second crew secured power to the solar panels. 26-Tanker flushed the hydrant and stretched a second attack line into the structure.

Interior teams pulled ceilings and walls, locating active fire inside the living room wall. Fire was quickly knocked down and contained to its area of origin. Meanwhile, 23-99 set up in front of the residence and initiated roof operations.

Hillcrest Fire Department provided an engine and manpower to support interior crews, while the Haverstraw Fire Department stood by in quarters with an engine during the operation.

Officials thanked all mutual-aid companies, the department’s Ladies Auxiliary, Haverstraw Police, Haverstraw EMS, the Town of Haverstraw DPW, and Orange & Rockland Utilities for assisting at the scene.

The incident was logged as Incident #288. No injuries were reported.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Haverstraw Police Conduct Proactive Credit Card Skimming Inspections Across Village

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HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — The Haverstraw Police Department, working in partnership with investigators from the Rockland County Intelligence Center, conducted a proactive operation Tuesday aimed at preventing fraud and identity theft within the community.

The operation took place on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, and focused on businesses with publicly accessible credit card machines. Detectives and Community Resource Officers visited all gas stations in the village, along with numerous convenience stores and other retail locations where skimming devices could potentially be installed.

Using specialized skimming detection equipment, officers inspected more than 130 credit card machines throughout the Village of Haverstraw. Police reported that no credit card skimming devices were found during the inspections.

“These proactive inspections are about staying ahead of criminal activity and protecting our residents and business owners before they become victims,” said Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould Jr. “We will not sit back and wait for crimes to occur or for our residents to be victimized.”

Chief Gould emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and advanced technology in preventing financial crimes, thanking Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco for helping make specialized detection tools available to police departments throughout the county.

By using these tools, Chief Gould said, local agencies can take meaningful steps to deter fraud and prevent crimes before they occur.

Business owners who would like their credit card machines checked for potential skimming devices are encouraged to contact the Haverstraw Police Department at 845-354-1500.

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Police/Fire/EMS

Rockland County Sheriff Dispatchers Help Deliver Baby Girl During 9-1-1 Call in Spring Valley

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SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — A Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Division dispatcher helped guide new parents through the successful delivery of their baby girl during an early-morning emergency call on Sunday, January 11.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, a 20-year-old expectant mother went into active labor at home when the baby began to arrive before first responders could reach the scene. At approximately 4:31 a.m., the baby’s father dialed 9-1-1 and reported that the infant’s head was already visible.

James Sheridan, a Radio Operator I with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Communications Division, immediately took the call and calmly coached both parents through the delivery process. Following his instructions, the parents were able to safely deliver their daughter moments before police and emergency medical personnel arrived.

Spring Valley Police Department officers, Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps, and Rockland Paramedic Services arrived on scene approximately six minutes later. The newborn baby girl and her mother were transported to Montefiore Nyack Hospital, where both were reported to be doing well.

Sheriff’s officials praised Sheridan’s actions, noting that he and all county radio operators are highly trained Emergency Medical Dispatchers (EMDs), certified by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). Dispatchers regularly assist callers during a wide range of medical emergencies, providing critical instructions until help arrives.

Officials congratulated the new parents and highlighted the incident as an example of how teamwork between dispatchers and first responders helps protect and serve Rockland County residents.

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