POLICE CHIEF Amir El-Farra.
By Jim Tortolano/Orange County Tribune
An expanded effort by the Garden Grove Police Department, along with a widespread social media campaign is being credited with a decline in major fireworks problems during the Independence Day holiday in Garden Grove.
Police Chief Amir El-Farra said “All in all, there were no major mishaps” in his report to the city council Tuesday night. He noted that on July 4, 2023 the city received 160 calls for service related to illegal fireworks, compared to 123 in 2024, a 23 percent decrease.
Twenty-nine administrative citations for illegal fireworks were issued, a 20 percent drop from 2023.
A special effort was made to deal with “projectiles” – typically water-filled balloons – hurled at people, especially in the West Grove area.
“We did have four officers assigned specifically to the west side of Garden Grove, where we seemed to have a lot of activity for that type of projectile … and it seemed to make an impact. We only had two calls for service the whole evening,” said El-Farra.
City Councilmember George Brietigam (First District-West Grove) thanked the police for their efforts. “It was way tamer than it was last year,” he said.
Categories: Garden Grove
Well I guess I will be calling more next year to get numbers up.. also be calling the County about the illegal fireworks
Calls were down because people know it doesn’t do any good. Illegal fireworks were out of control just like every year. Come to east GG next year and witness the carnage.
Projectiles had Only to do with water ballons thrown at golf cart parade and nothing to do with motors shot in the air. Four officers for water gallons shows where there priorities are!!!. Only 29 citations show they just don’t care. If mayor or councilman made it a big deal like ballons maybe something would change
Are we really supposed to believe this nonsense! It’s merely gross proof that GGPD didn’t do their job of patrolling & citing people shooting off the many more than last years illegal fireworks. This is embarrassing & has me enraged!
The scene was like a war zone near my house and they’re still shooting them daily. Unfortunately, they’re shot randomly so that they can’t be identified. I do llive near the police station.