Friday, July 3, 2009

Email this article to a friend

Security gearing up for Boston's 4th of July celebration

Related Links

• Local Fireworks Displays

BOSTON -- Once again, Boston will be home to one of the biggest Independence Day celebrations in the country. Preparations are underway to make sure the holiday is safe for everyone.

Half a million people come down to the Esplanade every year to take part in the celebration.

With a spectacular Boston Pops show and a fantastic fireworks display, it's the place to be on July 4th.

This year's fireworks display will include more than 25,000 pounds of pyrotechnics so security will be tight.

Some officials are already in place, both on land and in the water.

"There will be a 400-yard security zone and safety zone around the fireworks barge," said Capt. John Healey, of the US Coast Guard.

Police will be positioned on four big barges to keep their eyes on everything.

Additionally, a 4th of July command center has been set up by the city. All the equipment allows multiple agencies to coordinate and communicate in hopes of keeping everyone safe.

The Coast Guard said those coming to see the fireworks need to do their part too and they will be patrolling the water and they have a warning.

"We will be looking for drunk boaters, and we will arrest them," Healey said.

Officials said all the security is just to ensure a safe night for everyone.

Neil Diamond is this year's special guest performing with the Pops.

The Boston Pops show starts at 8:30 p.m. and the fireworks are set to go off at 10:30.

(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)