Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and the Town Board have officially appointed Captain James S. Fay Jr. as the next Chief of Police, effective April 24, 2026. The appointment comes as current Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker prepares to retire later this month, concluding a distinguished 39-year career with the department.

The Town Board formally accepted Wanamaker’s resignation during its meeting, marking the end of his tenure as chief, a role he has held since 2021. Town officials said plans are underway to recognize Wanamaker’s decades of service and leadership at a ceremony later this month, with details to be announced.

Supervisor Hoehmann praised both the outgoing and incoming chiefs, stating he is grateful for Wanamaker’s years of dedication and leadership, and expressed confidence in Fay’s ability to lead the department moving forward. He described Fay as a committed public servant with deep ties to both the police department and the Clarkstown community.

Fay, a 32-year veteran of the Clarkstown Police Department, has served in a wide range of operational and administrative roles throughout his career. His experience includes assignments in narcotics and organized crime, where he worked with the Rockland County Narcotics Task Force and the department’s Anti-Crime Unit. He later went on to establish and command the department’s Street Crime Unit.

In addition, Fay served in the Juvenile Aid Bureau, handling sensitive cases involving family court and crimes against children. He also spent more than a decade on the Critical Incident Response Team and was among the law enforcement responders following the September 11 attacks.

Throughout his career, Fay has supervised patrol operations, the Field Training Program, and Special Operations units, including K-9, Traffic, and Anti-Crime. He also brings experience in labor relations, having held executive leadership roles within the Clarkstown Policemen’s Benevolent Association. Currently serving as Operations Captain, Fay oversees Patrol, the Detective Bureau, and Special Operations.

A lifelong member of the community, Fay has also been active civically, including serving as a founding member of the Greater Nanuet Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and participating in Leadership Rockland.

Meanwhile, Wanamaker’s retirement marks the conclusion of a career that began in 1987. Over nearly four decades, he rose through every rank within the department, from patrol officer to chief, gaining extensive experience in patrol, investigations, and special operations. As chief, he led a department of more than 160 officers and civilian staff, with a focus on community policing, crime reduction, and quality-of-life enforcement.

Wanamaker is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy and holds a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Oneonta and a master’s degree from Seton Hall University. He has been active in regional law enforcement organizations, including the Rockland County Chiefs Association, and has received numerous awards throughout his career.

His retirement is set to take effect on April 26, 2026, as the department transitions to new leadership under Fay.