By Brian Hews
Norwalk city officials are taking the necessary steps to ensure for a “safe and calm” upcoming Fourth of July holiday.
City council members were told last week that public safety staff have been “actively preparing” for the upcoming holiday and will be focused on two key areas that includes a “public information campaign,” and the field deployment of Sheriff and Public Safety personnel.
Patrick Matson, Management Analyst for the Department of Public Safety told the city council that the Community Safety Partnership Team will be contacting several local businesses to “assist staff” in distributing and posting information flyers about safety tips about the use of fireworks in Norwalk.
Matson also explained that Norwalk Public Safety Officers and Norwalk Sheriff Deputies will be “ac-tively suppressing” the use of illegal fireworks in the days leading up to the 4th of July Holiday.
Plans include the deployment of three 2-man units during the morning/afternoon hours from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Five 2-man units will be deployed during the evening from 2:30 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Norwalk Deputies will be active in the “firework suppression team” and will be consisting of seven 2-man units from 2 p.m. to Midnight, in addition to 11 general patrol Deputies that will include seven 1-man units; two 2-man units, between the hours of 2:30 to 10 p.m.
Matson also reported that officials will be actively issuing both administrative and criminal citations for all firework related violations.
During the 4th of July holiday in 2011, a total of 43 administrative citations were issued, 42 of which were for the use of dangerous fireworks. One criminal citation was also issued for the use of “dangerous fireworks.”
“The best way to celebrate Independence Day in Norwalk is to attend the festivities at city hall, where a spectacular professional fireworks show will light up the skies,” Kelley said.
