The Syracuse Police Department has received more than 750 complaints about illegal fireworks going off in the city. Officers have been assigned to respond to the complaints, but police also need help from the public.
Residents across the City of Syracuse have been hearing the fireworks on a nightly basis. Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh said it’s not just a quality-of-life issue, people’s health and safety are at risk.
“We had a car on fire recently because of fireworks,” Walsh said. “It’s dangerous. We know people with PTSD are triggered by fireworks. Those of us who have animals know it’s an issue for them as well.”
A tweet from Walsh talking about the fireworks was recently included in an article by Oprah Magazine.
Yes, I hear the fireworks every night and they drive me crazy too. We’re working on a plan. More to come.
— Ben Walsh (@BenWalsh44) June 10, 2020
“I hear them every night, everybody else does,” Walsh said. “Arrests have been made. Seizures have been made. Let’s be honest, if Oprah is talking about, it’s a big problem around the country.”
The Syracuse Police Department has assigned two officers to respond and investigate fireworks complaints. Sgt. Matthew Malinowski said it’s against the law to possess aerial fireworks that shoot from the ground and let out big explosions like Roman candles and bottle rockets. But it’s hard for the department to narrow down exactly where the fireworks are coming from.
Malinowski said residents should call 911 if they know the exact location, as it will help direct officers.
“We’ve had houses that have been set on fire from fireworks,” Malinowski said. “We’ve had children hurt, where part of the firework hits their body and causes damage. Those are things that I’ve dealt with personally. There’s numerous other incidents like this. We understand that people just want to have a good time, but at the same time, it comes at a huge risk.”
Police have also cracked down on corner stores selling fireworks illegally.
