Police, fire beef up staff for Fourth of July weekend

CHICAGO -- Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said police and community members are both responsible for keeping celebrations safe over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

"I don't want anybody to think that they can shirk their responsibility of safety," Mayor Emanuel. "You as a resident, you as a block group, you as a community group, you as a church also play a role not only of providing a safe environment for people to come and participate, do it appropriately so it's family friendly."

Chicago has a history of violent Fourth of July weekends. In 2014, 82 people were shot- 15 fatally- during the holiday.

City officials took a more "holistic approach," Emanual said, coordinating efforts with public transit, public housing, police, park districts, OEMC and fire.

"We know where historically those challenges occurred, and make sure efforts of public entities are to secure the presence there," he said. "Our goal is to get ahead of it, so this weekend is different than the last past decade or so of weekends that come around the Fourth."

Chicago police officers will work in 12 hour shifts, and will crack down on violations in parks, such as alcohol and open fires.

"The entire department will be out, will be out in uniform. Our anticipation is that it will be a lot of hard work, but at the end of the day a great, successful weekend," Supt. Garry McCarthy said. McCarthy said the CPD's mounted unit will be downtown, where crowds are expected for the Navy Pier fireworks show, as well as "Fare Thee Well," the final shows of Grateful Dead, held at Soldier Field.

Both baseball teams are also playing at home this weekend.

The Chicago Fire Department will also take on a larger role this Fourth of July; more firefighters were be out in the communities.

Fire officials reminded Chicago residents that fireworks are illegal and should be left to the professionals.

Three years ago, Jameson Lamb was playing with fireworks when one hit him directly in his right eye. He's had several procedures since then but can only see light in the injured eye.

"I would advise you to go to a professional show if you can, and I would definitely say don't let kids play with fireworks. But if you take the right safety precautions I think they can be safe," Lamb said.

Get a list of fireworks displays in the city and suburbs.