High security at ‘Salute to America’ and ‘Fire in the Sky’ July 4th celebrations

‘Salute to America’ expects to see 50,000 to 70,000 people this year at their festival in Jefferson City.

Event Director, Jill Snodgrass, said “they are beefing up security this year” to ensure it is a safe event.

Snograss said the police department is not only setting up one command center, but there will also be another major center set up on site that they will not be telling people about, for any major emergency.

Jefferson City Police Department Captain Eric Wilde said safety is their number one concern.

“Officers on staff to make sure it’s a safe event, we’ll be in the downtown there, just to assist in anyway possible there to make sure it’s safe,” said Wilde.

Brian Adkisson with the Columbia Police Department said they also will have high security at the Columbia ‘Fire in the Sky’ celebration, but they will not be letting the public know more details, for security reasons.

Snodgrass said at ‘Salute to America,’ there will be security cameras set up throughout the festival and they will be constantly monitored.

“If you see something, say something, don’t take anything for granted, not saying that this is an unsafe event, but anytime you’re in a large crowd, be aware of your surroundings,” said Wilde

Wilde said their main concern is heat issues, because it will be hot outside and their is limited shade; he asks people to make sure to stay hydrated.