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(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Police Department is putting a half dozen officers on fireworks duty this Independence Day holiday. Police Spokesperson Sergeant Paul Parezik says the officers will focus on parks, which have sustained thousands of dollars in fireworks damage over the past few years.
Each year hundreds of calls and complaints are made about fireworks over the July 4th holiday time period.
Sgt. Parezik says for the most part, officers are able to resolve matters easily, and those lighting off fireworks will cooperate. He says, however, recently officers encountered an individual who was not cooperative, and created a larger fire hazard. Parezik says misdemeanor charges were filed against that individual.
Police are investigating a fireworks damage case at Riverview Park. A $1,000 reward is being offered for information in the case. The fireworks damaged a new men's restroom at the park.
Johnston Police are also investigating fireworks damage at two parks. Police in Johnston are increasing patrols and installing security cameras.