As the Chief of Police, I would like to take this time to thank our residents, staff, and Council for the unwavering support for our team during these unprecedented times. These last couple of years have been challenging and uncertain for our first responders and communities across this nation with police reform, trust, transparency, and accountability. I want to personally thank everyone for your voices for the voiceless, dialogues, and commitment to ensuring justice is received and served for all especially during the George Floyd murder trial.

 

We look forward to continuing to serve our residents with 21st-century community policing principles, dignity, respect, and professionalism.

 

Additionally, as we approach Independence Day, I want to take this time to remind our residents about the dangers of possessing, burning, and igniting illegal fireworks in Prince George's County.

 

Independence Day is celebrated on July 4th. We realize families are eager to start enjoying outdoor events and large gatherings like they did before the COVID-19 pandemic that immensely affected our nation. Many jurisdictions have lifted COVID-19 restrictions on July 1, 2021.  However, communities have also cancelled summer festivals, concerts, and Fourth of July celebrations due to ongoing public health concerns.  Please follow public health guidelines to keep yourself and your community safe.

 

The possession and discharge of consumer fireworks without proper permits is illegal in Prince George's County. If visiting a state or county where sparklers are permitted, remember they are extremely dangerous and should only be used outdoors, under adult supervision, and kept away from the body. Sparklers can heat up to 1800 degrees and pose a danger if misused.

 

All fireworks, including sparklers and snappers, are illegal in Prince George's County. Our law removes any doubt about what is permitted and what is not. All consumer fireworks are not permitted in Prince George's County.

 

Fireworks can be catastrophically dangerous and deadly. The safest way to enjoy them is through public displays conducted by professionals hired by communities. Parents need to be especially vigilant during this period in assuring that children do not possess dangerous fireworks or mishandle them. Pets and those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders are also affected by fireworks. 

 

Lastly, burning or igniting illegal fireworks in residential neighborhoods can cause fires, and damage to structural buildings, including homes, which places residents' and first responders' lives at risk.

 

We encourage everyone to call the Police if they know of anyone possessing, selling, burning, exploding, or igniting fireworks within the Town of Bladensburg. Remember, if you see something to say something! Contact us at (301) 864-6080 for non-emergencies and 911 for emergencies. We will have additional uniform and plainclothes Officers working during the Fourth of July Holiday to increase safety.

 

Penalties for possession, selling, or igniting illegal fireworks in Prince George's County, Maryland:

 

In Prince George's County, it is illegal for any person to manufacture, possess, store, offer for sale, sell, discharge, use, burn, or explode any fireworks, except that an authorized display may be conducted by a licensed pyrotechnic professional. Penalties for law violations include a fine of up to $1,000 and/or six months in jail.

 

In addition, transporting fireworks across state lines is illegal, including after purchasing them in neighboring states such as Pennsylvania, where they are legal.

 

From the men and women of the Bladensburg Police Department, we wish everyone a safe and wonderful Fourth of July!

 

Respectfully,

Chief of Police

Town of Bladensburg, MD
police@bladensburgmd.gov