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 “We Applaud Our Heroes” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

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1 year ago

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Every year during February we present the Buffalo Soldiers Award to outstanding African-American veterans who live in Rockland County. A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.

Last week I had the honor and privilege of presenting the 2024 Buffalo Soldiers Award to Army Veteran James Epps while Army Veteran Grady Anderson, Jr was presented with the Buffalo Soldiers Lifetime Achievement Award. 

James Epps joined the Army in 1953 and was later stationed in Germany, where he served as a machine gunner until September of 1956, when he was honorably discharged. James has continued to serve his community delivering meals to senior citizens with the Prince Hall Freemasonry Tappan Zee Lodge No. 79, which he has been a member of since 1975.

Grady Anderson, Jr. joined the army in 1959 and where he served overseas in Germany. Upon his discharge in 1963, he returned to Spring Valley. On top of a fulfilling career as an x-ray technician when he came home, he has been a member and Past Commander of Moscarella Post 199, Member of VVA 333, and Member and past Chef de Gare of the 40&8. He also served as Oratorical Chairperson for Rockland County American Legion for 8 years.

Not only is he a past recipient of our Buffalo Soldier Award in 1993 he was co-founder and historian of Buffalo Soldier Awardees and presents that history every year at the event. 

He has received several honors over the years for his tireless devotion to our community including his 60-year membership with First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, where he is also Deacon.

George Crouch, a WWII & Korean War Veteran, was also presented with an Unsung Hero Award by the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County. 

It takes a certain kind of person to put your own life on hold to put your country first, but both awardees did it without hesitation. 

Their sacrifice is why we get to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

For that, we are incredibly proud to add their names to the list of Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers recognized over the past 26 years. On behalf of the people of Rockland I thank them for their service to our country and county. 

I also thank the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County for granting myself and our Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam with Honorary Membership. We will not stop fighting for the wellbeing of veterans and soldiers, both past & present.

* This is a weekly article by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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Government

Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II A Lifetime of Service and Pride in His Heritage

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2 days ago

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March 20, 2025

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Rockland County Legislator Paul Cleary expressed that if the ancestors of District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II could see him today, they would be incredibly proud of his dedication and achievements. Born in the Bronx and a graduate of Congers Elementary and Clarkstown High School, Walsh has committed his life to law enforcement. After earning his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law, he became a practicing lawyer in 1976. He was elected Haverstraw Village Justice in 1983 and, over the past 42 years, has served in judicial positions at the Town, County, and State levels.

Walsh takes great pride in his Irish heritage, having traveled extensively in Ireland, including visiting his grandmother Rose Devine Leonard’s cottage in Ballinagh, County Cavan, as well as touring the Irish Supreme Court. In addition to his professional work, he is an active member of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and Division 3 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with several bar associations. He has also been involved with the American Red Cross in Rockland, serving on its Board of Directors.

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Government

Harckham’s $50,000 Grant Helps Stony Point FD Enhance Firefighter Safety

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1 week ago

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March 15, 2025

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New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today that the Stony Point Fire District has been awarded a $50,000 state grant for the purchase and maintenance of critical firefighter turnout gear, including specialized equipment designed for combating wildfires, all of which will help ensure the safety and effectiveness of the town’s first responders.

Harckham has so far secured a total of $3.1 million in grant funding for the Town of Stony Point, North Rockland schools, libraries and non-profit organizations serving the community since the town became part of the 40th Senate District in 2022.

The grant will enable the Fire District to equip its firefighters with modern, high-quality turnout gear, which includes protective clothing such as jackets, pants, helmets, and boots. A portion of the funding is earmarked specifically for specialized wildfire gear, designed to withstand the intense heat and rugged conditions of wildland firefighting. This investment ensures that firefighters are prepared to respond to a wide range of emergencies, from structure fires to the growing threat of wildfires in the region.

“On behalf of the Stony Point Fire District, we extend our gratitude to Senator Harckham for securing this critical funding,” said Kevin Huslinger, chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. “This grant will allow us to outfit our firefighters with the latest protective gear, including specialized equipment for wildfires, which is essential as we work to keep our community safe in an ever-changing environment. Senator Harckham’s support strengthens our ability to serve and protect.”

Stony Point Fire Chief Kurt Mulligan added, “With this new gear, our firefighters can face both structure fires and wildfires with the appropriate safety equipment, each of which is designed for the specific nature of those calls. It’s not just about equipment—it’s about bringing our team home safely after every call. We’re incredibly thankful for this investment in our district and fire company members.”

[Attached photo: State Sen. Pete Harckham with Robert Sullivan, vice chair of the Stony Point Fire District Board of Commissioners. Credit: Office of State Sen. Pete Harckham / James Persons]

 

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