Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly, and Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta today announced New York City's public safety for the 2002 Independence Day Celebration. Emergency Management Commissioner John T. Odermatt also joined Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioners Kelly and Scoppetta for the announcement in historic Battery Park.

"As our country observes a very significant Independence Day, I encourage every New Yorker to celebrate this very significant day in our history in a safe and enjoyable manner, " Mayor Bloomberg said. "Our public safety and law enforcement agencies are working together to make sure that we can celebrate this holiday safely, despite the new realities that we face in this City and this country. I urge everyone to enjoy themselves and let our law enforcement professionals do the worrying for them. And we should all use common sense during Independence Day to protect ourselves from hazards that are within our control: don't drink and drive; fasten your seat belt; don't use fireworks. I wish every New Yorker a happy and safe Fourth of July."

To ensure the safety of the public, the NYPD will deploy a substantial number of police officers to locations throughout the City. Specialized units, including Harbor, Aviation, and K-9, as well as the Bomb Squad and Emergency Service Unit will be on patrol. To report suspicious behavior or activities to the NYPD's counter-terrorism hotline, please call (888) NYC-SAFE (692-7233).

"We will deploy a substantial number of police officers, both in uniform and undercover, to monitor the celebration," Commissioner Kelly said. "Our specialized units, including Harbor, Aviation, K-9, and the Bomb Squad will also be on hand to provide an additional blanket of security."

Thanks to the efforts of the Joint Fireworks Task Force, which includes members of both the NYPD and FDNY, serious injuries due to fireworks have decreased by 86% since 1995. In addition, since 1994, fires on July 4th have declined by 83%. To report the sale, storage, or use of illegal fireworks, please call (800) FIRE-TIP (347-3847).

"Every year thousands of Americans are needlessly injured, maimed and burned through the use of illegal fireworks," Commissioner Scoppetta said. "Even seemingly harmless Sparklers can cause fires and serious injuries. Do not put yourself and your loved ones at risk by selling, buying or using illegal fireworks. All New Yorkers are welcome to enjoy this glorious celebration of our Nation's independence by attending one of the professional fireworks displays."

Earlier this year, Mayor Bloomberg announced the lifting of restrictions on fireworks displays in New York City, which were prohibited following the terrorist attack of September 11th. On Thursday, July 4th at 9:00 p.m., in a special tribute to the United States and in celebration of America's 226th birthday, Macy's will present its 26th annual fireworks extravaganza entitled, "A Time For Heroes." The 30-minute spectacular, which boasts state-of-the-art technology and an excess of 20,000 pyrotechnic shells, will occur from barges positioned in the East River. Conceived and produced by Macy's, the show is conducted in tandem with Pyro Spectaculars by Souza of Rialto, CA, and Fireworks by Grucci of Brookhaven, and will be choreographed to an amazing score of patriotic songs as well as music by Cher, Celine Dion, and Broadway's brightest stars. The presentation will be broadcast nationally and the telecast will feature a star-studded line-up of celebrities who will narrate and reflect on the spirit of the United States.