CLEVELAND — Cleveland safety officials are addressing safety concerns ahead of Cleveland's Fourth of July festivities.
Metroparks issued a statement promising increased police presence at Edgewater, and Cleveland safety officials hosted a press conference at which they were questioned about the city's preparations.
You can watch it here:
Sgt. Wilfredo Diaz with Cleveland police, Lt. Mike Norman with Cleveland fire and Cmdr. Ellen Kazimer from the Division of Emergency Medical Services spoke about firework legality and safety. It was only when reporters asked officials questions that they spoke about citizen safety in light of recent events.
City says it will be prepared
Fourth of July celebrations will come in the wake of a shooting at one of the city's most popular destinations.
Last week, police and the prosecutor asked for the public's help in locating more than a dozen armed individuals allegedly involved in a shooting that injured one person at Edgewater Park, as authorities released 15 photos of suspects plus video from the shooting.
RELATED: Man injured in Edgewater Park shooting Saturday night
When News 5 asked about the safety of visitors, Diaz said they will have strategic staffing in place and will be working with law enforcement partners. They are asking for the community's help in making the holiday a safe one.
"If you see something, say something, call us in advance, let us know. Our officers are going to be working out there; they're going to be visible. The message is we want us collectively to work and enjoy this holiday," said Diaz.
News 5 reached out to the Metroparks about plans for the holiday at Edgewater Park. The park system said it will have more police on hand as well as "additional support."
"As with all holidays, Cleveland Metroparks expects parks to be busy over the July Fourth holiday. Vehicle access will be restricted as parking lots reach capacity. There will be a heightened police presence at Edgewater Park moving forward, including on the July Fourth holiday. Additional support will include the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department and Cleveland Police Department. Guests can rest assured we are taking all steps possible to prevent future incidents," said Jacqueline Gerling, director of communications for Cleveland Metroparks, in a statement.
Fireworks reminders
Fireworks, while legal in the State of Ohio, are still illegal in Cleveland. Diaz wants to remind members of the community that several cities are hosting fireworks shows that can be displayed and to let the professionals handle the fireworks.
RELATED: Your 2024 Northeast Ohio fireworks guide
"We see an uptick in structural fires and almost half are a result of fireworks," Norman said.
Norman reminded residents to be mindful of our combat veterans and four-legged friends who may not like hearing the loud noises.
"Celebrate the Fourth of July on the Fourth of July," Norman said.
Young woman touched by gun violence
Remy says her 14-year-old cousin, Abebreanna Jackson, died in May 2022 when Jackson's house was shot up.
Teen shot and killed while in bed in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood in May 2022.
RELATED: 14-year-old girl dies after being shot in bed inside home on Columbia Avenue in Cleveland
Holidays like July 4th rattle Remy's family.
"They hear fireworks, and they kind of get scared a little because of the noise," Remy said.
City Councilman Mike Polensek says all council members are getting calls about illegal fireworks.
“Lay the law down; that’s all we’re asking," Polensek said.
But Polensek says he wants everybody to feel safe no matter what park they go to.
“You want to come into my neighborhood and violate the law, violate my residents' rights, then there should be a price to pay for that," Polensek said.
Remy says you won't see her going to Edgewater Park.
"Just because it’s a lot of people— young kids, the generation like it not where it should be. The parenting is not right these days," Remy said.
Remy says it's a community effort to keep people safe.
“I know like they can’t control people we got to show it ourselves we’ve got to take action and stop doing the things that we’re doing," Remy said.
Download the News 5 Cleveland app now for more stories from us, plus alerts on major news, the latest weather forecast, traffic information and much more. Download now on your Apple device here, and your Android device here.
You can also catch News 5 Cleveland on Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, YouTube TV, DIRECTV NOW, Hulu Live and more. We're also on Amazon Alexa devices. Learn more about our streaming options here.
