Security will increase in Pittsburgh for fireworks, other big events

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh's public safety team increased security for Tuesday night's fireworks and other big events this year.

Changes were made after several violent incidents downtown.

Channel 11 saw many of the changes with a noticeable police presence downtown throughout the day.

But it's what police are doing on a daily basis that appears to be making a difference as well.

As crowds left the fireworks show last year, four people were shot on Liberty Avenue.

It was far from an isolated incident downtown where violence repeated itself over several months.

It caught the attention of public safety director Wendell Hissrich.

"We've taken appropriate precautions after what happened last year with the shootings and the somewhat disruptive activity from the Regatta,” Hissrich said. “There will be a much heavier presence."

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So far the strategy appears to be working.

11 Investigates learned only one incident of violence has been reported downtown so far this year.

Compare that to downtown last summer when there were two shootings, a stabbing and a large fight less than three months apart.

Police will be using public works trucks to block areas where crowds gather to keep them safe.

There will also be an added layer of security if you're going to the Point for Tuesday night's fireworks show.

There's a lot of work that goes into making the show happen.

Crews with Starfire Corp., out of Carroltown, started getting the fireworks ready last Tuesday.

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"We have some different scenes put together and a strong finale," said Vince Terrizzi with Starfire Corp.

"This show will be spectacular," said John Bonassi, chairman of the board for EQT. "It's our 40th anniversary; we know they won't let us down."

More than 50,000 people are expected to watch the show from Point State Park.

Organizers say during the show, expect a special tribute to the back-to-back champion Pittsburgh Penguins.

Public safety officials say they learned from last year's Regatta celebration, and this year, you should expect more security in an effort to keep everyone safe.

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"We are taking many precautions having to do with law enforcement and public safety," said Wendell Hissrich, director of Pittsburgh Public Safety.

Hissrich told Channel 11 that security for the show will be tightened because of fights just outside last year's celebration. Eight people were arrested.

"Compared to last year, the amount of police will be extensive," Hissrich said.

The fireworks show is expected to last 25 minutes.

Police say they will be checking bags and will have snow trucks used as barricades to stop anyone trying to use a car as a weapon.

"With what's going on domestically and worldwide, we're trying to do with away with wooden barricades," Hissrich said,

There will also be more lighting in and around the park, mounted patrols, and a command center.

Also, uniformed and undercover officers will be working the area.

"There's a zero tolerance, if you're coming downtown to create problems, disrupt activities, you will be cited or arrested," Hissirch said. "There's no second chances."

Fire officials say they'll be on the lookout for anyone with illegal fireworks.

"Fines start at $1,000 per violation, so it can become expensive," said Darryl Jones, chief of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

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