Illegal fireworks complaints decreased this year, but Elgin police issued more citations as the department continued its crackdown on people’s use of powerful, loud and sometimes professional grade pyrotechnics to celebrate Independence Day.

“Overall, we were very pleased with the Fourth of July events and we want to thank our Elgin community for their efforts in making the holiday weekend safe and successful,” Police Chief Anna Lalley said. “We understand that illegal fireworks are always a concern for the community, and we will continue to be proactive in our effort to keep the community safe.”

There were 272 calls for police help regarding fireworks between Saturday, July 1, and Wednesday, July 5, accounting for 26% of all the 1,061 incidents to which the department responded, according to data.

The number of fireworks calls over the same period last year was 373, data shows.

EPD issued 21 citations for illegal fireworks, police Sgt. Mike Martino said. That’s three more than last year.

At Lalley’s request, the Elgin City Council amended the city’s fireworks ordinance this year to increase the fine for an illegal fireworks citation from $100 to $150. The maximum fine escalated from $750 to $1,500.

Overall, there were few serious situations over the Fourth of July holiday, Martino said. The city’s annual holiday parade on Douglas Avenue drew a huge crowd but resulted in no police incidents, he said.

Two people were arrested at the city’s July 4 evening concert and fireworks display at Festival Park, Martino said.

The first was of a woman who tried to enter a restricted area and ended up being charged with misdemeanor obstruction, he said. The other involved a man who was observed with a gun by a patrol officer.

Anthony W. Lorenzo, 39, whose address was not available, was charged with felony aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of a firearm without a concealed carry license.

“It just happened really fast. It was very lowkey,” Martino said of the arrest.

Gloria Casas is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.