Syracuse police say they have gotten more than 750 fireworks complaints this year.

And it’s become such an issue that they’ve created a special team to respond. 


What You Need To Know

  • The Syracuse Police Department has created a team to deal with nightly fireworks complaints
  • Responses to fireworks complaints are usually not at the top of the priority list, and now they can be addresses quickly
  • Police say you can help by being specific in your calls about fireworks

What was once reserved for a special occasion has become a nightly nuisance.

So a pair of Syracuse police officers are tasked with responding to fireworks calls every night. 

Usually, they’re at the bottom of the priority list.

“We have a very busy city," said Syracuse Police Sergeant Matthew Malinowski. "There’s a lot of things that need to be investigated here obviously … So all the officers are doing on this detail is taking the fireworks complaints, so instead of getting put down on the lower priority where you have to wait for a while to have an officer respond. These officers are responding to those calls immediately.” 

Police say you can help by being specific in your calls about fireworks.

They are asking for an address or a block number, so they can respond directly. 

"As much as the people are frustrated by the fireworks being shot off, we the police are frustrated as well," Malinowski said. "So having the community's help is the biggest thing on this."

Police say they’ve written at least five tickets for illegal possession of fireworks, and there’s one drug-related arrest tied in, too. 

Charges could skyrocket.

If your fireworks start a fire or hurt someone, you can be charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, or assault. 

“Because you’re ultimately responsible for what that firework does," Malinowski said. "So something to think about. We all like to have fun and it’s a cool spectacle but it comes at a serious cost.”

Police say it’s also important to remember your neighbors with PTSD or pets, because the sound travels.