The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office wishes you and your family an exciting and safe 4th of July holiday. The 4th of July holiday is a celebration of our becoming independent as a country on July 4th, 1776. To learn more about Independence Day history from PBS.org, click here.

Remember that fireworks can pose a fire and safety hazard to those who use them and to bystanders. Use caution when shooting fireworks, and be sure to follow these recommended safety tips from https://www.safekids.org/tip/fireworks-safety-tips:

• - Always have a bucket of water and/or a fire extinguisher nearby. If you are relying on a fire extinguisher, make sure it is charged and functioning properly, and make sure you know how to operate it.
• - Closely supervise children around fireworks at all times. This includes hand-held fireworks, such as ‘sparklers’
• - Never light fireworks indoors or near dry grass.
• - Point fireworks away from homes, and keep away from brush, leaves and flammable substances

Per AAA, a record number of Americans, nearly 49 million, are making plans to honor the Red, White and Blue with an Independence Day getaway this year.  For anyone who is traveling this 4th of July weekend, remember to always wear your seat belt and never drink and drive – instead, call a designated driver to get you home safely. Not only do you risk your life when you drive impaired, you are putting the other drivers you share the roadway with at risk, too.

The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office wishes everyone a fun and safe 4th of July weekend!

Sheriff Michael K. Neal

The Monroe County Sheriff's Department is committed to quality service with an emphasis on Community Partnerships and Problem Solving, the core principles of Community Policing.