Police Union Urges Falmouth To Cancel July 4th Fireworks
FALMOUTH, Mass. (AP) -- The Falmouth police patrolman's union wants the town to cancel its annual July Fourth fireworks show that's been recognized as one of the nation's best because budget cuts have left the police department understaffed and overtime makes the event unaffordable.
The Falmouth Police Patrolmen's Federation wrote a letter Monday to Chief Anthony Riello, asking for his support in canceling the event.
Riello tells the Cape Cod Times he does not support the request.
Joseph Drolette, president of the Falmouth Fireworks Committee, says the 30-year-old event draws 70,000 people to town. The $70,000 it costs for the fireworks is raised through private donations.
Selectman Chairman Brent Putnam says canceling the show "makes no sense."
Travel & Leisure magazine listed Falmouth's fireworks as one of the country's 10 best in 2009.
------
Information from: Cape Cod Times
(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
