Police/Fire/EMS

Veteran, Police Officer, and Firefighter Joseph McKenna Passes Away at 87

Published

3 years ago

August 30, 2023

TAPPAN, NY – Joseph J. McKenna, 87, passed away on Monday, August, 28, 2023 with family at his side. Born in Nyack, New York on February 29, 1936 to John A. and Catharine McKenna, he was raised in Piermont, New York with his seven older siblings. After graduating from Piermont High School in 1954, he proudly served his country in the United States Navy.

Upon his return he joined the Clarkstown Police Department where served his community for over twenty years and proudly worked to start the Police Benevolent Association of Rockland County.

In 1960 he married Helene Seebach, his wife and love of his life for 63 years. They raised their three sons, John, Joseph, and Thomas and enjoyed their grandchildren and the many life-long friends they made. He went back to school to pursue his degree in history, graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1981.

In addition to his professional career as a Clarkstown Police Officer, Joe served as an active member in many volunteer activities including being an original member of the Piermont Underwater Rescue Team, the Volunteer Fire Association of Tappan for over 60 years where he was a past president, the Carl A. Schelin American Legion Post 1271, the Pearl River Elks, The Knights of Columbus, St Dominic’s Council 5343, and the Rockland County P.B.A.

One of Joe’s favorite pastimes was sharing his love of history and his country with his grandchildren. Many a story was told, and infinite memories are treasured by those who were lucky enough to learn from him.

Joseph is predeceased by his parents John and Catharine, his siblings: Conrad, Mary Catharine, John, Doris Elizabeth (O’ Neill), Anne Mercedes (Flounlacker), Ellen Patricia (Secor), and George. Joseph is also predeceased by his beloved son, John who passed away in 1997.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Helene; sons Joseph, of Grahamsville, NY, Thomas (Brigid), of Tappan, NY; daughters-in-law Rosemary, of Pearl River and Tracy, of Neversink. He is also survived by his adored grandchildren Katie, Jack, Kevin, Joseph, James, Jennifer, Brigid, Laura, and Thomas McKenna; and his brother in law, Alan Seebach as well as his many beloved nieces and nephews.

A wake will be held Thursday, August, 31 from 3:00 – 7:00 pm at Moritz Funeral Home in Tappan, New York. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday, September 1, at 11:00 am at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church in Tappan, New York. Internment will be at Rockland Cemetery, Sparkill, New York.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to the Tappan Fire Association Welfare Fund.

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

6 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.