ILLINOIS — With the Fourth of July approaching, Elgin police have launched a full-scale effort to prevent illegal fireworks, combining neighborhood outreach, increased patrols, and awareness campaigns aimed at protecting both residents and pets.
The department’s annual fireworks enforcement strategy began June 6, featuring a dedicated four-officer team focused on fireworks complaints between 8:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., when most incidents are reported.
Targeted Outreach, Repeat Offender Warnings
Police have revived their yearly “walk-and-talk” campaign, started on June 18, where officers visit areas historically linked to fireworks complaints. After canvassing those blocks, they will expand outreach to other neighborhoods.
In addition, the department has mailed warnings to individuals who received fireworks-related citations in past years. According to Cmdr. Heather Lencioni, the effort is intended to curb incidents before they spike.
As reported by the Chicago Tribune, fireworks complaints in Elgin have dropped significantly in recent years: from 118 calls in 2021 to just 29 so far this year.
Safety Concerns for Veterans, Pets, and Children
To reinforce their message, police and city leaders are distributing free yard signs with messages like:
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“Please Respect Veterans – NO FIREWORKS”
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“For the Love of Pets – NO FIREWORKS”
The signs cite both legal and emotional impacts — from triggering PTSD in combat veterans to terrifying family pets.
City Councilman Steve Thoren, who started the sign initiative three years ago, said he was inspired after learning how deeply fireworks affect some residents.
“My poor dog runs to the basement and shivers in the corner,” Thoren said. “People are reading the signs and thinking about it.”
Injury Statistics and Legal Reminders
Although fireworks remain popular around Independence Day, they are illegal in Illinois, and they’re responsible for thousands of injuries each year.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, emergency rooms treated 9,700 fireworks-related injuries in 2023, with over 35% involving hands and fingers, and 22% to the head, face, and ears. Children under 15 accounted for more than a quarter of all injuries.
Cmdr. Lencioni noted, “We try to give people perspective on how dangerous high-grade fireworks can be.”
Where to Get Signs and How to Report Violations
Yard signs can be picked up at:
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Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court
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Elgin Police Department, 151 Douglas Ave.
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Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, 31 S. Grove Ave.
(Available 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday–Friday)
To report violations, call the non-emergency line at 847-289-2700, or use the department’s online complaint form.
Elgin’s official fireworks show will begin around 9:20 p.m. on Friday, July 4, at Festival Park, featuring food, music, and family activities. More details are at elginil.gov/1740/Fourth-of-July.
Do illegal fireworks affect your neighborhood around the Fourth? Let us know at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
