Threat Of Attack Temporarily Closes Suffern High School

SUFFERN, NY — A bomb threat kept students and staff out of Suffern Senior High School for three hours Thursday morning, and now police are investigating the hoax.

The Ramapo Police Department received a report of a security threat involving explosives at Suffern Senior High School at 7:05 a.m.

Suffern Central School District officials promptly initiated the evacuation protocol and RPD
initiated a coordinated response tailored to the specific nature of the incident, police said.

The response efforts were led by the RPD K9 Unit Supervisor in collaboration with the Ramapo police officer who is assigned as the Suffern High School resource officer.

"Additionally, we received explosive detection canine support from our law enforcement partners including the Rockland County Sheriff's Department, New York State Police, Orange County Sheriff's Department, Bergen County Sheriff's Department, and the Town of Woodbury Police Department," said Capt. Daniel Hyman. "Furthermore, our response was complemented by the support of the Tallman Fire Department, Faist Ambulance, Rockland Paramedics, and the Rockland County Sheriff's Office Bomb Squad."

After a search of the school building and premises, no explosive devices were discovered. District administrators deemed it safe to reopen the school to both faculty and students at 10:05 a.m.

"In light of the incident, the Ramapo Police Department Investigations Division, in conjunction with our officers assigned to Federal task forces, are actively investigating this matter as a criminal offense," Hyman said. "They are working to identify and prosecute those responsible for this threat. We appreciate the full cooperation extended by the Suffern Central School District throughout this investigation."

Ramapo Police Department officials expressed gratitude to the students, parents, faculty, staff, and law enforcement and emergency services partners for their cooperation and support during the incident.