Yisroel R.

The Clarkstown Police Department welcomed religious and community leaders from across the town for an open house highlighting the work of its CARES Unit, which focuses on strengthening communication and security for houses of worship and culturally diverse communities.

About two dozen leaders attended the gathering, including many ministers and rabbis, along with other community representatives. Participants received an update from Clarkstown Police Chief Fay and members of the CARES Unit on the department’s ongoing efforts to keep religious institutions and community facilities safe.

Created in 2018 under former Police Chief Raymond McCullagh, the CARES Unit works directly with religious and culturally involved groups throughout Clarkstown. Its work includes conducting specialized safety evaluations, assisting with the monitoring of facilities, and providing alerts to houses of worship when security concerns arise.

The open house also gave community leaders an opportunity to speak directly with police officials, strengthening relationships that can become especially important when a security concern or emergency develops.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann, who attended and addressed the gathering, praised the unit’s work and recalled helping establish it alongside the former police chief, saying it has played an important role in improving public safety throughout the town.