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Harrison County holds first reading of fireworks restriction ordinance after residents complain of nightly displays
Summary
The Harrison County Commission conducted a first reading Wednesday of a countywide fireworks discharge restriction ordinance after residents at public comment urged limits, citing public-safety and quality-of-life concerns. The commission did not vote to adopt the ordinance; a second reading and publication checks were scheduled.
The Harrison County Commission on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, held a first reading of a proposed countywide fireworks discharge restriction ordinance after residents urged the commission to curb what they described as frequent nighttime fireworks in residential neighborhoods.
At the meeting, resident Ed Gosselin said the fireworks "are really getting out of hand," telling commissioners that older residents, people with prior military trauma and pets were being frightened by prolonged displays. "We've got animals. They're scared," Gosselin said. "This all night long stuff has got to stop. We need to have, like we need to have some kind of ordinance where we can at least slow it down."
The ordinance was presented to the commission as a "fireworks discharge restriction ordinance" and read in title only at 10:10 a.m. during the meeting. County staff referenced West Virginia Code chapter 7, section 1 while discussing publication and timing requirements for the ordinance's second reading. The commission did not adopt the rule at the meeting; officials said they expect to hold the second reading at a future regular meeting (the commission discussed July 2 as a possible date) and that staff must confirm publication dates before final action.
Commissioners and staff also recognized a separate, related public-safety issue earlier in the meeting when they presented lifesaving awards to Harrison County EMS deputy director Jeffrey Way and assistant chief Eddie Jenkins for actions on May 21. A physician who joined by Zoom, identified in the record as Dr. Shidler, praised the two for their quick response in a vehicle medical emergency.
No final action was taken on the ordinance at Wednesday's meeting; commissioners asked staff to check publication schedules and return the item for a second reading. The county encouraged residents who want to speak on the ordinance to sign up for a future meeting or submit comments as directed by the commission office.
For now, the ordinance remains at first reading and will return to the commission for further consideration and a possible vote after required public-notice steps are completed.
