For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1700117 |
| Date Issued: | Dec 28, 2017 - 10:41am |
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Washoe County Sheriff's Office reminds residents a Safe New Year is a Happy New Year |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
As we prepare to celebrate the end of 2017 and the beginning of 2018, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office reminds residents to celebrate responsibly and safely in the interest of making this a Happy New Year for all.
No DUI
However you plan to celebrate the New Year, make plans now so that you may celebrate responsibly and never drive under the influence. Driving under the influence may quickly turn a time of joy into a time of tragedy. Designate a sober and safe driver or arrange for alternative transportation.
"DUIs and the tragedies that result from driving under the influence are easily preventable by planning ahead," Washoe County Sheriff Chuck Allen said. "As you are making plans about where to celebrate, where to dine, what to wear and all those other New Year's Eve details, make sure you also plan on who will drive or some other means of getting home without driving under the influence."
As part of efforts to reduce driving under the influence and increase traffic safety over the New Year, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicating extra deputies specifically to look for drivers under the influence through January 2, 2018 as part of a regional Joining Forces campaign.
Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program focused on reducing injuries and crashes by providing grants to fund statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, speed, distracted driving, seat belt and pedestrian safety. Funding for these efforts is provided through the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.
No Fireworks
The Sheriff's Office often receives calls concerning illegal fireworks on New Year's Eve. Fireworks are illegal in Washoe County and extremely dangerous. Remember:
- It is illegal to possess or use fireworks and/or pyrotechnics within the Truckee Meadows and North Lake Tahoe Fire Districts which includes the unincorporated areas of Washoe County
- Illegal possession or use of fireworks can result in fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail for each offense. In addition, the cost of suppression, and any other injury or liability caused by fireworks, are the direct responsibility of those persons using fireworks
- The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by professionals. Give children glow sticks to replace sparklers. Glow sticks are a great alternative that they can use for days
- Turn fireworks in to any Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District or North Lake Tahoe Fire Protection District fire station at any time without penalty
Report illegal fireworks activity to local law enforcement. In Washoe County, contact the Sheriff's non-emergency dispatch at (775) 785-WCSO.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.