Rockland County Executive Ed Day issued a stern statement addressing the recently circulated petition by the Rockland County Matzilei Aish (RCMA) seeking support to operate as an independent fire company. The County Executive emphasized that public safety cannot be compromised by granting recognition to unqualified or inadequately trained responders.
“In emergencies, every second counts, and delays or errors caused by unqualified responders can mean the difference between life and death,” Day remarked. He outlined serious concerns regarding RCMA’s capabilities, citing specific incidents where their actions endangered public safety. These included failing to identify a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak and obstructing operations at a critical fire scene.
RCMA’s petition claims its members are professional and trained; however, Day refuted this assertion, stating, “Recent events have proven otherwise. Firefighting and emergency response demand rigorous training, coordination, and oversight—none of which RCMA has demonstrated they possess at the required level.”
Day also highlighted the legal framework governing fire companies in Rockland County, explaining that all geographic areas are served by Fire Districts or village fire protection services. These entities operate under strict regulations to ensure accountability and oversight. According to New York State law, fire companies cannot function independently or across multiple districts without proper authorization.
“Fire Departments are overseen by Fire Districts—independent government entities with elected Fire Commissioners—or by village Boards of Trustees in incorporated areas. Fire Districts typically contract with Fire Companies, which are charitable non-profits, to provide volunteer firefighters,” Day explained. “RCMA’s proposal directly conflicts with these legal requirements and poses a serious risk to public safety.”
The County Executive concluded by encouraging individuals who wish to contribute to firefighting efforts in Rockland County to join existing, officially recognized fire companies. “We cannot afford to compromise public safety by granting official recognition to a group that has repeatedly failed to meet the necessary standards of professionalism and competence.”
This statement serves as a clear indication that Rockland County prioritizes safety and adherence to legal standards over unvetted initiatives that could put the community at risk.
you said ” without proper authorization. ” So that’s the exactly of this petition drive, grant authorization and recognition to RCMA and you will see that they are ongoing training and continue to do so , and every call is being reported and documented by their commander on scene, work with them and you will see everything and you will be able to help them as that the choice of the community , not helping them and trying to crush them and then go around and say that they are not professional is not professional because you are the one who are trying to stop them of getting more trained and professional ,
you said ” citing specific incidents where their actions endangered public safety ” all of the incidents has been proven false by multiple witnesses on scene; the only thing they can show is saving endless of lives and structure in the past 2 years being much more effective and sensitive to the needs of the community than the current Fire departments, again work with them and you will be glad you did so and you will be very successful ion your carrier !!!
while this statement bellow is completely false ” RCMA’s lack of proper training and experience has resulted in dangerous misstep ”
because RCMA has go thru training and continuing to do so,
Should I post all the dangerous actions that was recorded and posted in the last year that was done by multiple fire departments in the last 12 months? you know why I will not do it ? because I understand that mistakes can happen by everyone and we learn from them not to do it again, so please stop spreading misinformation about RCMA when they are helping the community be safe every day of the year and they have a track record of doing so and preventing so many casualties, RCMA is willing to work with everyone but everyone is refusing to do so and are just busy complaining under the false accusation of safety , RCMA # 1 priority is safety and professional !
again, work with them and you will be glad you did so, and you will be very successful in your carrier!!!
Reb Jacob, you are naive. that’s all I can say. Stop wasting money and energy on something which is not even needed. Please, stop this non sense.
Maybe Stop wasting money to support Hatzalah, Chaverim, and all rapid emergencey services?…., whats wrong with Spring-hill, Faist?
just so you know when Hatzalah was founded the backslash was also negative, thanks gd we didnt listen then to old naysayers, and we will not obey to all haters this time…
RCMA is here to stay!
correct and that’s properly the reason thousand of residents in rockland are running to sign this petition , not even a dime was spent to market it and people are running to sign it like hot cakes , ,
proberlay it’s not needed …………… i understand ………….
How can an elected official condemn a petition drive isn’t this a free country