06/26/2019
Residents of the City of Middletown:
As we approach the summer months, I wanted to personally reach out for you to clarify some of the provisions of the Middletown City Code regarding the possession, purchase, and use of fireworks within our city. Over the past three years, there has been a great deal of confusion as to whether or not fireworks are legal within the City of Middletown. For that reason, I want to clearly and undeniably advise all residents of the following: The purchase, possession, use, and sale of ALL fireworks (including sparklers) is prohibited anywhere within the confines of the City of Middletown.
Much of the confusion that exists regarding fireworks has to do with the legalization of certain types of fireworks by the State of New York in June of 2015. As a result of that legislation, sparklers and other similar types of fireworks became legal to sell, possess, and use in certain areas of New York State, including many of the towns and villages just outside of the City of Middletown. Nevertheless, the Middletown Common Council elected to opt out of this legislation, thereby leaving the fireworks laws unchanged for the City of Middletown.
The purpose behind the Middletown Common Council’s decision to opt out of the new fireworks legislation was simple: Our elected officials want to ensure that all of our residents remain safe and free to enjoy our quiet and peaceful community, without the excessive noise and substantial injury risks that fireworks pose. The city and county offer a number of fireworks demonstrations for you and your family to enjoy free of charge, so I encourage you to take advantage of these great opportunities.
Every summer, our agency responds to hundreds of complaints for fireworks being shot off and detonated in our neighborhoods. I want to respectfully ask that all residents assist in preventing injuries, unnecessary noise, and fires by choosing not to purchase and utilize any type of fireworks within the City of Middletown. I also ask that you keep an open line of communication to the police department, contacting us with any issues you may have, whether it be fireworks related or any other occurrence, so that we can effectively address your concerns. Together, we can build a safer Middletown!
Respectfully yours
John Ewanciw
Chief of Police
