(photo) City’s firework amnesty surrender program

By Taxpayers Association of Oregon
OregonWatchdog.com

The City of Happy Valley requests that citizen turn-in their illegal fireworks as part of their amnesty program. By the size of this year’s stash it shows that people are doing it. It is a different tactic compared to their neighbor city of Portland which bans all fireworks (even sparklers)

The City press release says, “In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, individuals turned in thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal fireworks—enough to fill two oversized trash bins—at the Community Policing Center.This no-questions-asked initiative provided residents a safe and anonymous way to do the right thing, helping prevent dangerous fireworks from being used in our neighborhoods. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together for the good of all.“This is the 15th year of Happy Valley’s Fireworks Amnesty Program, and each year we’ve seen our community step up,” said Steve Campbell, Public Safety Director for the City of Happy Valley. “This year was especially impressive—one of our largest turn-ins to date. We’re grateful to our residents for choosing safety, compassion, and responsibility.”Launched in 2010, the Fireworks Amnesty Program is part of a larger public safety strategy that has positioned Happy Valley as a statewide leader in fireworks education, enforcement, and harm reduction. With more than a decade of consistent outreach and action, the City continues to demonstrate how local government and residents can work together to protect people, property, and pets.”