Police ramp up patrols for holiday weekend fireworks chaos

During a recent government meeting, local officials outlined plans for increased police presence over the upcoming holiday weekend, specifically from July 3rd to July 6th. The police department will staff at least five officers in the evenings, focusing on areas prone to fireworks-related disturbances and vandalism. This year, the department is collaborating with the parks department to enhance patrols in local parks and trails, where staff will act as witnesses rather than intervening directly.

The police chief emphasized the challenges of enforcing fireworks regulations, noting that officers must witness violations firsthand to issue citations. This has proven difficult, especially in neighborhoods where adjacent areas have differing regulations regarding fireworks. The chief mentioned that while calls for service have decreased over the years, there has been a noticeable uptick in fireworks activity, complicating enforcement efforts.

In addition to fireworks enforcement, the chief discussed the use of a disorderly house ordinance to address large gatherings that violate local laws. Homeowners can be warned and subsequently cited if they do not comply after an initial warning.

The meeting also touched on the monitoring of water levels at Sailorville, with projections indicating levels slightly above 875 feet. Officials are preparing for potential increases in outflow and are vigilant about possible flooding, especially with forecasts predicting heavy localized rainfall.

The chief plans to provide a statistical report on calls for service and citations at the next meeting in July, encouraging community members to engage with local legislators regarding fireworks regulations.