ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
The 4th of July holiday is this weekend, and local law enforcement will be making sure everyone has a safe time.
Liberal Police Department Capt. Jeff Wade said this weekend will definitely be a busy one.
“Friday night is the Bee Jays game and fireworks presentation, and we'll have officers there directing traffic and that work. We'll also have extra officers out Friday night and Saturday night to help enforce the fireworks ordinance – as a reminder, people are allowed to pop off fireworks until midnight July 4 and until 11 p.m. July 5, and then they're done,” Wade said. “Fireworks also can't be popped off in the street, they need to be popped on the property and then cleaned up afterward, because all that trash doesn't need to be blowing around town. We'll have a focus on the residential areas since that's where the majority of the complaints will be coming from. I would also remind people to be courteous to their neighbors and keep to the times when fireworks can be shot off, because even though the holiday falls on a weekend this year, people do still have appointments and other obligations, so don't be popping off fireworks until the wee hours of the morning and irritating the neighborhood. The Liberal Fire Department will also have some guys out and about as well helping us in terms of enforcement. We don't want to seize anyone's fireworks or write any tickets or any of that – we truly want everyone to have a fun holiday, but again, it's important to consider your neighbors and be respectful.”
Wade said the partnership between the LPD and LFD is a good one, and he is happy for the collaboration this year.
“I think it's great we'll have the LFD guys helping out, they're a great group and the more eyes surveilling throughout town, the better,” Wade said. “We have worked together in the past, and again, they're great to work with. We all met with the city manager earlier this year, and that included the fire chief and deputy chief, and talked about getting back together for this year's holiday. They were more than willing to offer their assistance because we're all on the same team, so it's great having even more of that type of help.”
Wade added he and the LPD staff are expecting multiple calls regarding noise complaints.
“We always get a bunch of calls about fireworks being shot off after hours, and we also get calls about fireworks being shot off where they're not supposed to be, those are our two biggest complaints. To remind everyone, our non-emergency line, which is (620) 626-0150 or (620) 626-0151. Do not call 911 for those complaints, because that is for legitimate emergencies only,” Wade said. “I would also ask those callers to be patient because most likely, they're not the only ones with noise issues, and there's also a chance we might not catch them. If you see someone firing fireworks at cars or something like that, however, definitely call 911 and give as much information as you can so we can respond as quickly as possible. We have had that issues in the past with high school students, and it's now a felony to do that. For anyone who does call, I also ask you to be kind and patient with our dispatchers, they're working as hard as they can and doing everything they can to help.”
Like every holiday, Wade said things will somewhat be played by ear.
“I think things could be slightly louder due to the holiday being on the weekend, and I think fireworks sales will definitely be high for those vendors,” Wade said. “I also foresee more parties and barbecues and those types of get-togethers, and I think the bars will also be seeing some extra business this weekend, which could mean more DUI stops. There haven't really been any major incidents these past few years we've had legal fireworks, so I'm hoping that trend will remain and things will stay relatively calm.”
With the extra parties expected, Wade offered encouragement to have a sober driver plan in place if necessary. Overall, Wade added, the goal is for everyone to be safe.
“We always say, if you're going to go out and partake, have a fun time, but have a designated driver so you can get home safely and no one runs the risk of running afoul of law enforcement that will be out those nights,” Wade said. “There are multiple taxi services available in town, and they're all fantastic to use. And if you think you'll fool us, think again – there are a lot of clues, like the speed the driver's going, whether or not they're staying in their lane, how are they stopping, things like that. If we notice those things, we will pull that driver over and also look at if they have bloodshot eyes and other physical signs. Everything rather snowballs, and those signs are pretty easy to look for. DUI charges are really expensive, so it's truly best to have a sober driver plan if you're planning out going out, and it's not worth ruining your fun and/or your family's fun. Kansas law also states if you're sober and allow someone else to drive drunk, you can be charged as well, and there could even be additional charges. Overall, go out and have your fun, but be smart. Like every other holiday, we want everyone to go out and have a good and happy time with friends and family, but be smart and safe so we don't have to come and potentially break up your celebration.”
