Safety during Independence Day Celebrations, July 3

Independence Day is a day of celebration for our nation, and in 2013, it happened to be busiest day of the year for the Salem Police Department Patrol Division.  The Willamette Valley Communications Center, also known as the dispatch center for the Salem Police Department, received 1,066 calls for service during the 72-hour period before and after July 4, 2013.  Of those, 153 were complaints about fireworks, noise, or calls about possible shots fired. The high volume of calls on the days preceding and after Independence Day always sets up the Patrol Division for very busy shifts throughout the day and night.  As with all calls for service involving noise, please be advised that patrol staff will try to respond to complaints of fireworks, noise, or shots-fired, depending on other emergency calls. However, it is important that the caller leave their name and provide a specific location. General or anonymous calls of fireworks will be noted, yet only addressed as patrol staff is able. The phone number to call is the police non-emergency line at (503) 588-6123. However, Salem Police Public Information Officer Lt. Dave Okada provides some sound advice, “Should any resident observe the use of fireworks, illegal or not, that are posing a threat to property or individuals, call 9-1-1 immediately.”  Residents are reminded to only use fireworks that are permitted in our state. For safety tips, please review the English and Spanish language videos we have posted on the Salem Police Department YouTube channel: www.facebook.com/SalemPDTV.  Lastly, rather than hassle with a fireworks at home, Lt. Okada reminds residents of a local alternative. “Don’t forget about the City of Salem’s Independence Day celebrations occurring at Riverfront Park,” added Lt. Okada, “There will be live music, food vendors, and a great fireworks display at dusk to complete your July 4th fun!”