Rockland Mourns 2 EMTs Dead In Car Crash

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — As the community mourned two ambulance corps members who died early Monday in a fiery crash on the New York State Thruway, leaders across Rockland County expressed their condolences.

New York State Police were dispatched to the crash on Interstate 87 southbound in Suffern, at 1:34 a.m. Herzog, of Spring Valley, and Schneebalg, of Monsey, were pronounced dead at the scene.

"The untimely deaths of two William P. Faist Volunteer Ambulance Corps members is extremely difficult to bear. I join with all of Rockland in mourning 1st Lt. Supply Officer Moshe Herzog and EMT David Schneebalg who served our community as dedicated volunteers," said Rockland County Executive Ed Day. "The loss of these young men is devastating, but their service to our community will not soon be forgotten."

In addition to Faist, Herzog was a member of the Haverstraw Ambulance Corps and Chaverim of Rockland. Schneebalg was an EMT also at Haverstraw.

"The tragic loss of 27-year-old Moshe Herzog and 26-year-old David Schneebalg is heartbreaking," said Congresswoman Nita Lowey. "Not only were they young, outstanding examples of what it means to serve one’s community and to devote oneself to others, but they were described by friends and coworkers as giving, loving, and caring people whose lives were tragically cut short."

Police said Herzog was driving a 2017 Chevrolet Tahoe southbound near mile-marker 29.1 in the center lane and Schneebalg was the sole passenger. Police said Herzog was attempting to change lanes, possibly to exit the thruway on Exit 14B at Airmont Road.

Herzog's Tahoe collided with a 2007 Peterbilt tractor-trailer in the right lane, police said. Both vehicles went across the shoulder and into a ditch. The truck fell on its side and the driver was pinned in the wreckage of the cab. The Tahoe caught fire.

"It's a terrible loss for our community. Moshe Herzog and David Schneebalg were two young men taken far too soon," said state Senator David Carlucci. "They selflessly served Rockland, responding to dangerous situations to save lives. This accident was a tragedy. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families, friends and the entire EMS community."

Hertzog was buried at Monsey Cemetery Monday, according to The Journal News.