Fireworks illegal in city limits; Officers work to promote fun, safe Fourth of July

While enjoying a long Fourth of July weekend to celebrate America’s independence, residents are reminded that setting off fireworks is illegal in the Shawnee city limits. Local and state law enforcement and lake officers also will work extra patrols this holiday weekend to ensure everyone has a safe holiday.
Shawnee Police Lt. Russell Frantz said city codes prohibit fireworks in the city limits without a permit. It is illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or transport fireworks in the city limits.
Codes show that without a permit, “the discharge, firing or use of any firecrackers, rockets, torpedoes, Roman candles or other fireworks or substances designed and intended for pyrotechnic display and of pistols, canes, cannons or other appliances using blank cartridges or caps containing chlorate of potash mixture is prohibited.”
Lt. Frantz said it will be long three-day weekend, so he encourages everyone to enjoy the holiday, but be safe. Extra Shawnee police officers, both on street patrol and those working the Shawnee Twin Lakes, will be out to ensure everyone’s safety, he said. All camping areas at the lakes are full this weekend.
State law enforcement officers also are working together this weekend for extra enforcement on Interstate 40 as part of the “C.A.R.E. Across America” initiative.
C.A.R.E. — Combined Accident Reduction Effort — includes Oklahoma and seven other states — Arizona, Arkansas, California, New Mexico, North Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The states will place troopers every 15 miles along I-40 from coast to coast during a 12-hour period on Saturday.
 “This is a very high-visibility saturation effort which will be conducted from 8 a.m. through 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 5. Motorists are encouraged to call *55 from their cell phones to report aggressive or erratic driving behavior,” said Capt. Chris West, director of public affairs for the Oklahoma Highway Patrol. “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend. So, please buckle up, watch your speed, and don’t drink and drive.”
The C.A.R.E. Initiative campaign runs from 12:01 a.m. Thursday through midnight Sunday.
“We want all travelers to know we’re out there for their safety and protection. Troopers across the United States will concentrate their enforcement activities on alcohol-related offenses, speed, and restraint violations,” West said.
Operation C.A.R.E. was started in 1977, when Michigan and Indiana State Police began strict enforcement activity and unified the efforts of both states. C.A.R.E. now encompasses all fifty states and Canada. There are six Operation C.A.R.E. periods per year, including the most heavily traveled holidays, plus two special enforcement campaigns.
The Lake Patrol Section of the Oklahoma Highway Patrol also urges safety on lakes this holiday. Many of the state’s lake levels are significantly above normal levels, so obstructions and hazards to navigation may not be visible. Troopers will be out and will watch for violations of Oklahoma’s “Operating a Vessel Under the Influence” laws, and safety violations including Reckless Operation, Careless Operation, proximity violations, and equipment violations such as unapproved or too few life jackets.
———
Kim Morava may be reached at 214-3962 or kimberly.morava@news-star.com.