Enjoy Fourth of July fireworks by leaving the show to the pros. Other than City permitted firework shows, fireworks are illegal in Fort Worth. Having or setting off fireworks will result in a hefty fine of up to $2,000. ANY CELEBRATORY GUNFIRE WILL RESULT IN JAIL TIME. Extra officers will be on patrol.

Please DO NOT CALL 9-1-1 to report fireworks. Instead, call the fireworks hotline at 817-392-4444, or report online using the MyFW app, or file an online report.

Speaking of pros, Fort Worth’s Fourth! fireworks show and Independence Day celebration is Friday, July 4 along the banks of the Trinity River at Panther Island Pavilion. Gates open at 5 p.m. and admission is free. See the schedule of events and parking info online.

You can also enjoy a Latin Express concert and professional fireworks show July 5th at Marine Park, 303 NW 20th St. See their flyers below.

July 4^th City Closures

Most City offices, including City Hall, will be closed Friday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Emergency services will be available as usual.

Solid waste collections: There will be no changes to residential collections. Garbage, recycling, yard waste and bulk will be collected as normal. The City’s four Drop-Off Stations and the Environmental Collection Center will be closed on July 4. If you have questions or need assistance, read more or call 817-392-1234.

Libraries: All Fort Worth Library locations will be closed July 4.

Recreational amenities: Community centers, Haws Athletic Center, McLeland Tennis Center and Log Cabin Village will be closed July 4. Golf courses and swimming pools will be open.

Northwest Division Police continue to see numerous thefts from unlocked cars and trucks as well as stolen tools and yard equipment. Please, help us prevent these crimes by locking your vehicle every time and securing equipment and other valuables. Some recent crime report highlights:

-Leaf blower stolen from bed of pickup truck.

-Suspect reached into a vehicle's open window and stole tools. 

-Suspect entered unlocked vehicle and stole a handgun.

-Suspect entered unlocked vehicle and took laptop and handgun.

-Personal items taken from unlocked vehicle.

-Suspect took electric scooter from open garage.

In addition, officers caught three juveniles breaking into vehicles in far northwest Fort Worth last month.

These signs remind residents and customers not to leave valuables in sight and to lock their vehicles when parked. Northwest Division offers the free signs to retail businesses, hotels, apartment complexes and others to help prevent theft. The metal signs can be installed outdoors in parking areas on existing light poles, gates or exterior walls. A static cling version can be placed on glass entry doors or windows. To request signs, email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot.Kent@fortworthtexas.gov with your name, business address and contact info.

Plan Now for Oct. 7 National Night Out

It’s time to begin planning for National Night Out, which is Tuesday, Oct. 7th. The Fort Worth Police Department encourages residents to plan events that help neighbors get to know each other. Knowing your neighbors is one of the best ways to prevent crime! Hosting a National Night Out event doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some ideas for keeping it simple and sharing the costs.

-Ask neighbors to turn on their lights and come outside for a walk after dinner and say “hello.”

-Host a front yard dessert potluck: ask everyone to bring a lawn chair and a treat to share.

-Introduce yourself, help new neighbors meet each other and share contact information.

Once you’ve planned your event, please register with the Fort Worth Police Department so you can be recognized. When registration opens in August, we’ll send a link. We’ll also provide you with goodies to hand out at your event, while supplies last.

Safe Walking & Crossing

What’s the safest place to cross the street? Children at Diamond Hill Community Center summer camp know the answer after listening to our short presentation on safe walking, crossing and bike riding. Later in the week, they put their knowledge into practice, walking to the nearest Fort Worth library branch. Counselors reported kids looked both ways before stepping into the crosswalk! We’ll be back with more safety tips this month.

Northwest Division NPOs Oscar Moncada and Jesus Flores spent part of their day at Camp Fire First Texas summer camp, answering teens’ questions about the tough training officers go through at the police academy before they can serve. 

After some lively Q&A, Officer Moncada showed off some tools of the trade, including Stop Sticks designed to help catch bad guys by deflating their tires.

Talon Hills

We thank Talon Hills for inviting residents to meet their NPO Stevan Velasquez, learn how to start a Neighborhood Crime Watch and hear about other police resources available to them. We’re happy to visit with any newer neighborhoods, whether or not they’ve set up a formal HOA.

Lockheed Safety Fair

We enjoyed meeting hundreds of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics employees last month, sharing safety info and answering questions. The company employs some 18-thousand people at the mile-long Fort Worth assembly plant. Let us know if your company has a safety fair coming up.

Blood Donations Needed

During the summer months, the demand for blood donations remains constant, yet collections often decline because of school breaks and out-of-town travel. Recently, NPO Lamb stopped by Carter Blood Care at 7260 Blue Mound Rd. to give blood. To help ensure a stable blood supply, find a Carter BloodCare center near you.

Attention Walmart Shoppers

NPO Zach Briseño answered residents’ questions as we handed out home safety information and gun locks at Walmart last month. It’s part of our efforts to safeguard children who are out of school and spend more time at home during the summer. Walmart also raised funds for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Historic Northside District

At Historic Northside District’s June meeting, NPO Kirk Massey explained how Flock cameras work with the Fort Worth Police Department’s Real Time Crime Center to catch criminals. NPO Briseño also encouraged businesses to request a police safety assessment to point out any possible vulnerabilities and improvements. The group meets the first Tuesday of the month at 10 a.m.

Reserve at Quebec

After attending several after-school sessions with children at the Reserve at Quebec Apartments, Northwest Officers met some of their parents at a safety meeting. Residents learned the most common summer crimes—thefts from vehicles—happen when drivers forget to lock their doors or leave valuables where thieves can see them.

Sabine Place

NPOs Jesus Flores and Oscar Moncada talk with Sabine Place Apartment residents during a safety social coordinated by apartment management. In addition to handing out goodies to the kids, officers answered adults’ questions about how to report crimes and street lights out. We encourage all apartment complexes to hold regular safety meetings with residents.

Northill Manor Apartments

After a short lesson on how and when to call 911 for emergencies, NPO Velasquez showed children at Northill Manor Apartments his police truck. Northwest Division NPOs make a point to get to know children at apartment complexes so they can share info with parents who may have limited English skills.

Déjà Vu

Lt. James Hill has returned to Northwest Division’s Charlie District, after about a 10-year stint with S.W.A.T. Many residents living inside Loop 820 will remember him from his first stint as C District Lieutenant. “I’m excited to be back in Northwest to possibly finish my career where it started 27 years ago,” Hill said. “What I like best about this job is the interaction with the citizens and other officers—the chance to help those who need it.”

World Police & Fire Games

Northwest Division Officer Marcus Mendoza brought home a silver medal from the 2025 World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, Ala. He placed second in mountain bike riding for his age group (40-49), despite breaking his collar bone earlier this year on a different ride! The Olympic-style competition attracts thousands of athletes representing First Responders from countries across the world.

Spanish-Language Civilian Police Academy

Did you know, the Civilian Police Academy (CPA) also offers classes in Spanish? We congratulate the 53 graduates who attended a 13-week course, taught by Officer Daniel Segura and our own Northwest Division NPO Rick De Los Santos. The Civilian Police Academy gives residents an in-depth look at the police department’s operations and training, as well as the workings of other city departments. Visit the CPA webpage to learn more and download an application in English or Spanish.

One of Their Own

At the group’s monthly meeting in June, Northwest Division Citizens on Patrol volunteers got safety tips from fellow member Gary Kong. Gary joined COPs after retiring from a California Sheriff’s Office and moving to Fort Worth several years ago. He says he finds the volunteer work rewarding and interesting. To learn more about Citizens on Patrol, email Sandra.Jones@fortworthtexas.gov

Carlos Flores Appointed Mayor Pro Tem

Congratulations to District 2 City Councilmember Carlos Flores! City Council chose Flores as the new mayor pro tem, who serves as acting mayor when the mayor is absent or unable to perform their duties. “I appreciate the City Council’s vote of confidence,” Flores said. He’s represented District 2, which includes part of Northwest Police Division, since 2017.