Police Chief: Barnegat HS Fireworks Were A ‘Resounding Success’

BARNEGAT, NJ — Many longtime Barnegat residents were disappointed when they learned that this year's Fourth of July fireworks had been moved from the dock to Barnegat High School.

The location was changed due to public safety and traffic concerns that have developed as Barnegat’s population has grown over the years, Police Chief Keith Germain said in a statement Saturday.

“The fireworks last night, by any objective standard, were a resounding success for our community. Both the high school and Donahue lots were filled, meaning we had nearly 800 cars — triple the number of cars we’ve ever had for the fireworks at the dock,” Germain said.

About 3,000 people flocked to the high school to see the fireworks display on Friday night, according to Germain. Despite the spike in attendance, the Donahue School lot was empty after 15 minutes and the Barnegat High School lot was cleared in 24 minutes.

Germain said the least amount of time it took for all cars to exit in past years was 45 minutes, adding that's with a third of the cars that attended Friday night.

The new location also provided more space for long concession lines, children playing games and families to spread out on blankets in the grass or watch from the bleachers.

“For those disappointed about the fireworks being moved from the water, I hear you and I get it. I’m not here to change your mind. In 4 years of being chief, I have yet to make a decision that made 52 cops happy — I’m certainly not going to make one that makes 25,000 people happy. And that’s ok,” Germain said.

He thanked Mayor Al Bille and the Township Committee for taking the recommendation to move the event, and “putting safety and the community first.” He also thanked the Barnegat School District and the department’s police officers for clearing traffic in record time.

“And finally, thanks to our outstanding Barnegat community. You yet again showed what a great town this is and why we’re all so proud to be a part of this community,” Germain said. “PS — get to the high school early next year. It’s going to be packed.”

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