Mesquite's law enforcement ensures safe Independence Day celebrations

Mesquite, Texas - Throughout the weekend preceding Independence Day and on the holiday itself, the City of Mesquite's Police and Fire Department took steps to ensure residents could enjoy safe celebrations.

They implemented specific patrols focused on the illicit use of fireworks and concerns about Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), according to Dallas Metro News.

Patrols were deployed to locations that, in prior years, had registered high call volumes on the Fourth of July. Mesquite Police Officers fielded 81 service calls related to fireworks and 62 service calls reporting sounds of gunfire. A substantial amount of fireworks, over 38 pounds, were seized, alongside 19 handguns and one rifle. The officers also made 27 DWI arrests during this period.

The Mesquite Fire Department responded to five calls regarding grass fires sparked by fireworks. Two of these calls required intervention to put out minor grass fires, promptly extinguished with minimal water. A single minor fire, originating from fireworks stored in a garage, was reported within a structure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of fireworks or gunfire.

“While we can’t stop 100 percent of the problem, I think we make progress every year by educating residents on celebrating the holiday in a safe manner,” stated City Manager Cliff Keheley. “I want to thank all of our Police, Fire and Dispatch personnel who worked on the holiday to keep our community safe. I also want to thank the volunteers who staffed our Call Center and helped with the increased call volume.”