Happy birthday, America! As we celebrate America’s 237th birthday, I can’t help but think how blessed we are. Living in this ordered country provides the majority of us a very safe environment.
Our country was founded on many principles, one being the rule of law. And these laws provide a cornerstone for our safety. Our discussion this week revolves around safety.
This Fourth, please remember to use “safe and sane” fireworks. According to the U.S. Product Safety Commission, an estimated 5,200 people made emergency room visits last Fourth of July due to the firework festivities. Six people were killed because of firecrackers or homemade explosives. One of those killed was a 17-year-old boy, when he made a 300-piece “sparkler bomb.” So, just like a shirt I own, it reads “Think, it’s not illegal.”
One more thing, Boulder City police will have select officers to minimize and handle those law breakers lighting illegal fireworks. Let’s be safe!
Another safety issue brought to my attention by a dear colleague was crosswalks. We love to walk in BC. Crosswalks are there for a reason. According to Nevada Department of Public Safety in 2012, 42 pedestrians were killed in Clark County. A 10 percent reduction in pedestrian deaths is predicted in 2013.
For those of us who walk, remember the following: use crosswalks, and when using them, press the button to activate the flashing lights, if installed. Use the sidewalks and don’t walk in the street. For those of us who drive, pay attention, slow down, be patient, and yield to pedestrians in the cross walk.
Let’s make BC have zero pedestrian fatalities and zero pedestrian injuries. Remember, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. Don’t race around to save a minute for a few seconds; it could cost someone — a child, a mom, a dad, a brother or a sister — a life.
Holy cow, you see what time it is! Let’s move, “Control, 269, 10-8.”
June 23, early Sunday morning, officers responded to the smell of a natural gas leak. The source of the leak was discovered. Apparently, the almost centenarian resident left the stove burner on, yielding that unmistakable scent. Officers ventilated the home and thankfully, it’s been too hot for kindling.
On June 24, a couple went for some ice cream. Arriving in a quibble, patrons turned. Apparently, a good Samaritan advised the damsel. Well, that went over like a lead balloon for her husband. Sometimes, it’s best to let things go, instead of opening your mouth. Or worse, touching someone else or you’ll end up with a black eye. Several subjects ended up with citations for disorderly conduct.
June 25, officers get summoned to the Rebel station about a male subject trying to pass fake $20s and $50s. Contact is made with the Montana male. Excuse me, did you say prison experience? Yes, the Montana man had extensive criminal history. Time to go back for some more incarceration rehabilitation.
On June 26, officers stop and chat with a subject near the 7-Eleven on Nevada Highway. Interestingly, the subject had a wine bottle. Officers discerned the subject and the wine bottle were like fire and water. After some investigation, the officers learned the wine bottle had just been stolen from the store. I guess fermented grapes can tell a story?
June 27, a resident calls to report their vehicle was burglarized near Darlene Way and Adams Boulevard. The unlocked car door served as easy access. The owner’s daily planner was stolen. The officer takes the crime report and forwards it to the bureau. Please, lock your doors!
On June 28, officer responds to the Red Mountain Plaza regarding a road rage incident. Believe it or not, alcohol tends to change people. Today, alcohol acted as liquid courage and the subject brandished a handgun to scare the other enraged motorist. Not only was the gunslinger arrested for drunken driving, he’s facing assault with a deadly weapon charge.
June 29, a keen sense of observation by an officer spots one of those fancy motorcycles on the border of BC and Lake Mead Recreation Area. As we say, just don’t look right. After running a check on the unoccupied, abandoned two-wheeler, he learns it’s hot. The thief stole it out of Las Vegas and dumped it. The case is under investigation, but no one’s been fingered yet.
It’s been real. It’s been fun. Please be safe and responsible. Life is good and remember, “Think, it’s not illegal.”
Officer Jeffrey Grasso is a 10-year veteran of the Boulder City Police Department. He previously served as a police officer in south Florida for four years.