Officials Urge Safety On July 4: "We Don't Want It To End In Tragedy

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — The July 4 weekend is just hours away and Suffolk County officials turned out Thursday to emphasize the need for safety on the roads, in the water — and at the barbecue.

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, Suffolk County Police Commissioner Rodney K. Harrison, Fire Rescue and Emergency Services Commissioner Pat Beckley and the emergency service section hosted a dramatic demonstration highlighting the dangers fireworks pose by igniting pyrotechnics inside the trunk of a car.

In addition, Suffolk County police announced increased DWI and BWI enforcement over the July 4 holiday weekend.

The event took place at the Suffolk County Fire Academy in Yaphank

Gina Lieneck, who lost her daughter Brianna, 11, in a horrific boating crash — and who has worked tirelessly to see Brianna’s Law, a measure that makes boating safety courses mandatory, signed into law in 2019, was also onhand to urge safety on Long Island's waterways.

Bellone said Long Island, known for its beaches, barbecues, and fun, is made for the summer season. "But we know the when we are celebrating, when people are congregating together, there are also potential dangers. Fireworks are a wonderful thing but if used incorrectly and in the wrong hands, they're extremely dangerous," he said.

Bellone also urged residents not to drink or drug and drive; police will be out in force to keep roads and waterways safe, he said.

"We know the waterways will be packed over July 4 weekend and people will be having a great time but unfortunately, we have seen tragedies happen because people are acting irresponsibly and illegally."

Lieneck urged boaters to be considerate of the lives around them. "We all want to go out and have a good time with our family and friends and make memories — but we don't want it to end in tragedy," she said.

In addition to taking boating safety courses, she said everyone should wear life jackets. And, she said: "Please do not drink or be under the influence of drugs. You're literally setting the course of a tragedy."

No other family should have to endure what hers did, Lieneck said. Even after almost 17 years, "we are still suffering the after-effects."

Lieneck said her work was not done; she is advocating to have a BWI law passed that would mean if a person is convicted, they will lose their driver's license.

Harrison said fireworks handled incorrectly "could be a recipe for disaster." Last year, a 13-year-old from Suffolk County had a mortar blow up in his face and another man had a firecracker go off in his hand.

He also told the public to watch children, the elderly and the disabled near pools and water, to prevent drownings.

Beckley said according to statistics, nationwide, injuries related to fireworks have nearly doubled in three years, with fatalities increasing by 50 percent.

He also reminded people when firing up the grill to do it safely, with no propane indoors. Never leave a grill unattended and always light a gas grill with the cover open to avoid an explosion, he said.

"Remember to be safe," Beckley said.