Richmond police chief calls for action to thwart illegal fireworks sales

Following a raucous holiday weekend that saw illegal fireworks being set off in record volume throughout the Bay Area, Richmond’s interim police chief sent a letter to Mayor Tom Butt and other City Council members requesting action be taken to prevent similar future incidents.

Interim police Chief Bisa French started her letter by indicating that 23 officers were on duty during the Fourth of July holiday Saturday night and early Sunday morning, 10 who were on overtime. French added that, though additional officers were working, the department was overwhelmed by the number of calls received, many of which were fireworks-related.