Mayor’s Messages
March 11, 2026
At last night's Village Board meeting the board and I recognized the Sloatsburg Fire Department, as well as High School Student Brendan McCaffery.
We presented Chief Swanson and his department with a certificate of dedicated service for their extraordinary dedication, courage, and service in responding to and battling the fire at the Sterling Carting facility on March 2, 2026. Their tireless efforts over more than thirteen hours in extreme conditions helped protect the Village of Sloatsburg and its residents. We thank the entire department for their commitment, professionalism, and bravery, embodying the very best of volunteer service.
We also presented Brendan McCaffery with a certificate of congratulations on being named the recipient of the 2025 Irish Heritage Student Athlete Award for the New York Metro Region by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and being recognized for his achievements as a high school baseball player with Irish heritage.
Congratulations to all who were recognized last night!
March 3, 2026
On Monday, March 2 at approximately 2:00pm, a large fire broke out at the Sterling Carting building located on Sterling Mine Road. The fire burned from 2:00pm until around 3:00am. Alongside our own Sloatsburg Fire Department, multiple neighboring departments responded to assist in battling the massive blaze. Our volunteer firefighters remained on scene for over 12 hours, working tirelessly in the elements to bring the fire under control.
While the fire has been extinguished, residents may notice a lingering haze and odor throughout the day.
The Village of Sloatsburg extends our extreme gratitude to Chief Swanson and his entire department for a job exceptionally well done. We also sincerely thank all assisting departments and organizations that responded to the scene, as well as those who stood by at the Sloatsburg Fire House to ensure our entire village remained protected throughout the duration of the Sterling Carting call. We are incredibly proud and grateful for the dedication, professionalism, and commitment of these volunteers in keeping our community safe.
Hillburn Volunteer Fire Department; Suffern Volunteer Hose Co. #1; Suffern Hook & Ladder Co. #1; Monsey Fire Dept.; Tallman Volunteer Fire Department; New City Fire Engine Co. No. 1; Thiells Fire Department; South Spring Valley Fire Department; Mahwah Res1cue; Tuxedo Park Fire Dept. Co. #1; Ramapo Fire Coordinators; Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps; Town of Ramapo Police Department; Ladies Auxiliary of the Sloatsburg Fire Department
February 25, 2026
Our Department of Public Works continues to work diligently on snow removal efforts throughout the Village. Crews are clearing roadways, widening lanes, addressing intersections, and managing snowbanks to keep our streets as safe and passable as possible.
While we are expecting slightly warmer temperatures this weekend — which hopefully will help melt some of the existing snow — the forecast is calling for additional snow showers early next week with the potential for several more inches of accumulation.
We kindly remind residents to:
Move vehicles off the street when possible to assist plows.
Keep fire hydrants accessible.
Use caution around large snow piles, as visibility may be limited.
Most importantly, please remember to check in on elderly neighbors and those who may need assistance during these cold stretches. A quick phone call or helping hand can make a big difference to a neighbor in need.
Thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as our crews work around the clock to keep our community safe. Stay warm and stay safe.
February 24, 2026
The Village of Sloatsburg would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our incredible DPW crews for their around-the-clock efforts during the most recent snow bomb cyclone storm.
To put this winter into perspective — the average snowfall for our area is approximately 12 inches for the entire snow season. In just four short weeks, we have experienced two massive snowstorms, each dumping more snow than our typical total for an entire winter. That is an extraordinary amount of snowfall in a very short period of time.
Because of this, residents will notice that snow piles are significantly higher than what we are accustomed to seeing in our area. The sheer volume of snow has made removal and storage much more challenging than during a typical season. In addition, the severe cold front between the two major storms prevented much of the snow from melting before the second storm arrived, compounding the accumulation and clean-up efforts.
Our DPW crews have been working extended shifts and putting in extremely long hours to keep roads clear and safe. They are continuing snow removal and widening operations and have a running list of areas that need to be readdressed. High-traffic roads and main thoroughfares may take priority over dead-end streets and lower-volume areas, but please be assured — all locations remain on the list and will be addressed.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as this work continues. Our crews are doing everything they can to keep up with these historic conditions while also ensuring they get the rest necessary to perform their jobs safely.
Thank you to our dedicated DPW team for your hard work, professionalism, and commitment to keeping Sloatsburg safe.
February 11, 2026
At last night’s Village Board meeting, the Board of Trustees and I proudly recognized several individuals for their outstanding service to our community.
Superintendent Szklany and the entire Department of Public Works were presented with Certificates of Dedicated Service in appreciation of their tireless, around-the-clock efforts during last month’s State of Emergency snowstorm. Their commitment and hard work ensured the safety and well-being of our Village residents during challenging conditions.
We also recognized members of the Planning and Zoning Boards on their recertification in Rockland County, reaffirming their continued dedication to land use, planning, and zoning matters that shape and strengthen our community.
In addition, we extend our sincere thanks to the officers of the Town of Ramapo Police Department for their consistent presence at our Village Board meetings and for being active, supportive members of our community each and every day.
Congratulations to all who were recognized last night—your service and dedication do not go unnoticed.
February 9, 2026
Over the weekend, we were proud to host our Community Winter Blanket Giveaway. Despite the cold temperatures, residents stopped by to warm up, chat, and spend time with myself, Village Trustees Bonkoski, Bitterman, and Donnelly, along with members of the Village Clerk’s Office and DPW. It was a lovely morning filled with community spirit—warming both hands and hearts.
If you were unable to attend, a limited number of blankets are still available for Sloatsburg residents. Please stop by the Village Clerk's Office and speak to someone during regular business hours this week while supplies last to receive a blanket.
January 27, 2026
As this winter storm continues, I ask all residents to please stay off the roads unless travel is absolutely necessary. Our Department of Public Works crews have been working throughout the day and night to keep roads, parking lots, and walkways cleared and safe following the significant snowfall across the village. I’ve also been riding along with our DPW teams to personally check road conditions and ensure our residents are doing well.
At the same time, our first responders are out in these challenging conditions responding to calls and keeping our community safe. Clear roadways are essential so they can reach emergencies quickly and safely. Your cooperation truly makes a difference. If there is a fire hydrant on or near your property, please take a moment—when it is safe to do so—to clear it of snow to assist the Sloatsburg Fire Department.
Residents are reminded not to plow, shovel, or deposit snow or ice into public roadways. This creates serious safety hazards, interferes with snow removal operations, and may result in a ticket. We also understand how frustrating it can be when a plow unintentionally blocks a driveway. Unfortunately, during active snow removal—especially with the volume of snow we received—this is sometimes unavoidable as crews push snow toward the curb to keep roads passable. Each resident remains responsible for clearing their own driveway.
I want to thank everyone for their patience, understanding, and cooperation as crews continue working around the clock. Please stay home if you can, stay safe, and know that your support helps protect our entire community during this storm.
January 23, 2026
Last night, January 22, our community witnessed an incredible show of teamwork and dedication during a devastating house fire on Post Road. We are deeply grateful to the firefighters who responded quickly and worked tirelessly for hours under intense conditions to bring the fire under control. I was on scene along with the Sloatsburg Fire Department.
A heartfelt thank you to the fire departments from Sloatsburg, Hillburn, Suffern, Tallman, Monsey, Spring Valley, Hillcrest, Tuxedo, and Mahwah, NJ, as well as Town of Ramapo Police Department and Spring Hill Community Ambulance Corps, for their professionalism and cooperation during this second-alarm incident. Special thanks to the Monsey Fire Department RAC Unit for supporting crews and the effected family on scene with food and drinks throughout the extended operation.
While we are thankful that no injuries were reported, our thoughts are with the family who lost their home. We wish them strength and comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
January 23, 2026
On Saturday, January 17, I attended the Tuxedo Fire District Installation Dinner honoring Chief Jones. The Tuxedo Fire District is comprised of three fire departments working collaboratively to provide fire protection services to the Town of Tuxedo and surrounding communities.
In attendance were Chief Swanson and Second Assistant Chief Bonkoski of the Sloatsburg Fire Department. Also pictured with myself and Chief Jones are former Chief Christian of the Sterling Forest Fire Company and Town of Tuxedo Supervisor McMillen.
Congratulations to outgoing Chief Jones on his exemplary years of service, and best wishes to all newly appointed officers as they begin their new roles.
January 21, 2026
This past Saturday and Sunday, I did a ride along with the Sloatsburg Department of Public Works as they worked around the clock to ensure village roads were safe for both residents and passersby. During winter storms, the Village deploys five plow trucks at any given time, along with a sidewalk plow to keep walkways clear. During inclement weather, crews are on the roads as conditions require. If you must travel while snow is actively falling, please drive slowly and use caution. With more snow on the way, please remember that there is NO street parking from November 1 through April 15, between 10p.m. and 8a.m., throughout the Village of Sloatsburg. Your cooperation allows Public Works to clear our streets more efficiently and safely. Stay safe and warm, Sloatsburg.
