Latest News
February 17, 2026
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Rye Fire Department Swears In Probationary Firefighter Jeffrey Fernandes: The Rye Fire Department has introduced Jeffrey Fernandes as its newest probationary firefighter, following the city’s approval of a new position in the 2026 budget. Fernandes, who grew up in Rye and Armonk and graduated from Byram Hills High School in 2019, was officially sworn in during a ceremony at Rye City Hall. He will begin in-house training before attending the Westchester Career Chiefs Fire Academy. This appointment is part of ongoing discussions about staffing levels within the Fire Department. (Source: MyRye.com on Feb 17)
December 2, 2025
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New Rochelle Parade Sponsor Acted as Police Informant After Drug Arrest: Recently released police records reveal that Robert P. Rubicco, the 2025 New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade sponsor, became a police informant in 2001 after his arrest for possessing Ecstasy tablets. Rubicco agreed to participate in a controlled drug purchase for the North Castle police as part of an effort to lower felony charges against him. The cooperation took place on the same day as his arrest and influenced the outcome of his legal case. This information has come to light more than two decades after the incident. (Source: Talk of the Sound on Dec 2)
November 25, 2025
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Sponsor of 2025 New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade Previously Convicted in Drug Case: Robert P. Rubicco, who served as the name sponsor for the 2025 New Rochelle Thanksgiving Parade, was previously arrested in 2001 after police found Ecstasy in his vehicle during a North Castle traffic stop. The felony drug-dealing charge was later reduced through a plea deal, resulting in a sentence of three months in jail. Rubicco's involvement with the parade drew attention to his past legal issues. The parade took place as scheduled in New Rochelle this past weekend. (Source: Talk of the Sound on Nov 25)