URGENT MESSAGE
TO: All Citizens of Montebello
RE: Emergency Services
As you certainly know, the official, best coordinated and most complete way to deal with emergencies, including fire emergencies, is by dialing 9-1-1 (or as an alternative, Orange & Rockland Utilities if a gas emergency). Indeed, it is my well informed and firm belief that this is the safest and fastest way to access coordinated assistance by properly trained first responders. Further, should you suffer property loss, such as to repair and replace damaged items, or even need to restore your home, utilizing 9-1-1 (and Orange & Rockland Utilities for a gas leak), in other words bona fide first responders, is the only secure means to yield documents typically demanded by your insurer in order to process your claims.
Why am I telling you this? Because I am informed by multiple sources, on an urgent basis, including the Rockland County Fire Coordinator, as confirmed by the County Executive, the Town of Ramapo Supervisor, and other Village Mayors, that a private organization, not affiliated with any municipality or the coordinated emergencies system, is urging and advising citizens in our geographical area not to contact 9-1-1 (or Orange & Rockland Utilities) but to contact it instead, [Matzilei Aish of Rockland (“FCMA”)]. In addition, I’ve received similar, strong, concerned warnings from two of our Building Department employees who are or were, also Fire Chiefs.
To reiterate, the Village strongly emphasizes the importance of using 9-1-1 for all emergencies (and/or Orange & Rockland Utilities for gas emergencies). The County of Rockland operates a nationally certified 9-1-1 center, which is equipped to handle emergency situations with the utmost efficiency and professionalism. When you call 9-1-1, you are ensuring that the appropriate first responders – whether they be fire fighters, paramedics, or police officers – are dispatched promptly to address the emergency at hand.
The sense of urgency is such that state agencies with oversight have also been alerted to this concerning activity by FCMA!
If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact the Village office or the other governmental entities involved. Thank you for your attention to this important issue, and for your cooperation in keeping you, and your family, and our community as safe and protected as possible in an emergency.
Sincerely,
Lance N. Millman
Mayor
Cc: Village Trustees
Village Attorney
County Executive Ed Day, Rockland County
Supervisor Michael Specht, Town of Ramapo
Director Christopher Kear, Fire Coordinator
Mayor Marshall F. Katz, Village of Wesley Hills
Mayor Abe Sicker, Village of New Hempstead
Mayor Ilan Fuchs, Village of Pomona
