Citrus Heights Police to staff up ahead of July 4th celebrations

By Sara Beth Williams—
At the June 27 City Council meeting, the Citrus Heights Police Department announced plans to increase police officer patrols and Animal Services officer availability in preparation for Independence Day celebrations.

Lt. Ken Lewis said during July 3 and 4, the Police Department will be deploying extra personnel who will focus on illegal fireworks enforcement. As well, Lewis said Sacramento Metro Fire arson investigators will be on hand in the area to be called on if necessary.

Police Services Manager Tiffany Campbell said Animal Services planned to have two full-time officers available on Saturday, June 29. Officers will also be available on July 3 and July 4, working overtime to help in emergency situations.

Campbell also said a dedicated community volunteer will be on hand at the police station with a chip reader and that the department will focus on reunifying family pets with their owners. The Police Department also has five short-term kennels available at their headquarters, which will house lost pets until they can be reunited with their owners, according to Campbell.

During the presentation, Vice Mayor Jayna Karpinski-Costa offered to donate two more large dog kennels to the department, to make for a total of seven kennels available.

Campbell emphasized that the public should plan ahead and provide a “quiet and comfortable” spot for their family pets during Independence Day celebrations.

When asked by a local resident during the meeting about the enforcement of fireworks, both illegal and safe and sane, in the weeks before June 29, Lewis emphasized that anyone with concerns should contact the Police Department non-emergency line. Lewis reported that officers and the department have taken part in internal and regional illegal fireworks task force meetings in preparation, and the department has also increased its focus on educating the public regarding the dangers of illegal fireworks through neighborhood letters, social media posts, and website content.

“As we approach Fourth of July celebrations, it is crucial to emphasize our community’s commitment to safety and reasonable celebration,” Lewis said, adding that the department has an amnesty program that allows residents to drop off illegal fireworks at the police station “no questions asked.”

The Police Department encourages the public to report illegal fireworks by using the See Click Fix app, which will be operational as of June 28 to accept reports of illegal fireworks. Lewis also encouraged residents to contact the department’s non-emergency line at 916-727-5500.

Residents can also visit the Police Department’s website at citrusheightspd.net.