On New Year’s Eve and into the early hours of New Year’s Day, the City of Mesquite Police and Fire Departments proactively helped residents enjoy safe celebrations.

Specialized teams were deployed to enforce laws against the illegal use of fireworks, celebratory gunfire and Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) offenses. Mesquite Police Officers confiscated more than 46 pounds of fireworks, seized 2 firearms and made two arrests for discharge of a firearm. Officers made 6 DWI arrests, but reported no accidents as a result of these offenses. 

The Mesquite Fire Department responded to two major structure fires, which do not seem to be related to fireworks. No injuries were reported because of fireworks or gunfire.

“These numbers are an improvement over last year’s statistics. There is still work to be done but we make progress every year by educating residents on how to celebrate safely,” said City Manager Cliff Keheley. “Thank you to our Police, Fire and Dispatch personnel who worked over the holiday. We also appreciate the residents who reported incidents.”