County Condemns Matzilei Aish Petition

In a statement shared with the RCT, County Executive Ed Day bluntly spoke out against a petition being circulated around Rockland in support of an amateur fire company, which his administration claims is exacerbating local emergencies. 

“In emergencies, every second counts, and delays or errors caused by unqualified responders can mean the difference between life and death .It is exactly for that reason that my administration is calling out a newly circulated petition by the RCMA (Rockland County Matzilei Aish) for support as an independent fire company.

While the petition claims RCMA is professional and trained, recent events have proven otherwise. RCMA’s lack of proper training and experience has resulted in dangerous missteps, including their failure to identify a life-threatening carbon monoxide leak and obstructing a critical fire scene. These actions jeopardized the safety of both first responders and the community. Firefighting and emergency response demand rigorous training, coordination, and oversight—none of which RCMA has demonstrated they possess at the required level.

They want to operate as a fully independent fire company but by law they cannot do that. In Rockland County, every geographic area is covered by a Fire District or village fire protection, and fire departments operate under strict legal requirements. 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. According to New York State law, fire companies must specify the exact boundaries of their operation and operate under the control of their designated Fire District, village, or town. Fire companies cannot operate independently or across multiple districts without proper authorization, ensuring oversight and accountability.

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. 

Any member of the public who wishes to assist in the firefighting services in Rockland County, should join existing local fire companies that are legitimately incorporated and are part of the county fire service.”