Will police stop illegal fireworks displays?

7:49 PM Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Will police stop illegal fireworks displays?

This weekend marks the independence of our country; a proud heritage celebrated by most American families.

Last year, this day was celebrated by many at the site of the former Highlands Elementary School. The thick haze of fireworks could be seen from I-70.

The throngs of people assembled in the middle of the streets were loud and unwilling to yield to vehicles attempting to pass through. Shrapnel falling from the fireworks collected on top of houses, in yards and on cars.

Families pushing their infants in strollers assembled at Highlands to watch an illegal fireworks show that would rival those loud, explosive shows at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

Last year, I called the Springfield Police Department to inquire whether it would send units to the southwest quadrant to disband the mob of people gathered around the street where my parents live. I was told that they had already received numerous calls that night. Why, then, did I not see any police presence?

My fear is that people were allowed to put on a fireworks show, assemble in the streets shooting off bottle rockets, and no one stopped them. I believe that this situation could quickly escalate out of control; the police being unwilling/unable to stop it.

My parents are not safe in the home they have lived in for the last 43 years. Do they not have a right to a peaceful night? Who is going to clean up after the revelers? What is the law regarding fireworks in the city?

Kris Dietz

Huber Heights

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