Happy Valley Residents Turn In Thousands Of Dollars In Illegal Fireworks Ahead Of Fourth Of July (Photo) -07/09/25

Thank you, Happy Valley!

Thanks to the cooperation, responsibility, and community spirit of our residents, the City of Happy Valley is proud to share the success of this year’s Fireworks Amnesty Program. In the days leading up to the Fourth of July, individuals turned in thousands of dollars’ worth of illegal fireworks—enough to fill two oversized trash bins-at the Community Policing Center.

This no-questions-asked initiative provided residents a safe and anonymous way to do the right thing, helping prevent dangerous fireworks from being used in our neighborhoods. It’s a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together for the good of all.

“This is the 15th year of Happy Valley’s Fireworks Amnesty Program, and each year we’ve seen our community step up,” said Steve Campbell, Public Safety Director for the City of Happy Valley. “This year was especially impressive-one of our largest turn-ins to date. We’re grateful to our residents for choosing safety, compassion, and responsibility.”

Launched in 2010, the Fireworks Amnesty Program is part of a larger public safety strategy that has positioned Happy Valley as a statewide leader in fireworks education, enforcement, and harm reduction. With more than a decade of consistent outreach and action, the City continues to demonstrate how local government and residents can work together to protect people, property, and pets.

As part of our commitment to education, the City also offers a Fireworks Diversion Class to individuals cited for illegal firework use. This course provides an opportunity to reduce the fine while gaining valuable insight into the broader impacts of fireworks misuse. The class is taught by a team of local professionals including a Fire Prevention Officer, a Police Officer, an educator from the Oregon Burn Center, a veterinarian, and a military veteran. Each brings a unique perspective, speaking to the real-life harm illegal fireworks cause-from burn injuries and fire damage to trauma experienced by pets and veterans with PTSD.

The City’s goal is to reduce the risk of wildfires, lessen the distress fireworks can cause to individuals with mental health challenges, and minimize the anxiety loud explosions cause for our pets. We know that creating a safe, livable, and inclusive community takes effort from everyone-and this year, you delivered.

This effort is part of a broader citywide safety initiative that also included patrols by specially trained Fireworks Task Force Officers over the holiday weekend. Use or possession of illegal fireworks in Happy Valley carries a $1,000 fine and could result in criminal charges.

To those who participated in the amnesty program: thank you for making the responsible choice and putting community safety first. Your actions made a difference.

City Of Happy Valley Encourages A Safe And Responsible Fourth Of July (Photo) -07/03/25

Fireworks Amnesty Program, Task Force Patrols, and Reporting Tools in Place to Protect Community

As the 4^th of July approaches, the City of Happy Valley is reminding residents to prioritize safety and community well-being. With the 4th of July celebration set to bring families together for fun and fireworks, the City has implemented specific safety measures to prevent fire danger, protect vulnerable community members, and preserve the natural beauty of our parks and open spaces.

Residents who have illegal fireworks are encouraged to take advantage of the Fireworks Amnesty Program, which allows for anonymous, no-questions-asked drop-offs at the Happy Valley Police Department at 12915 SE King Rd. Happy Valley through today July 3, 2025. The goal is to reduce the presence and use of dangerous and unlawful fireworks before the holiday begins. 

The city has specifically trained officers as part of our Fireworks Task Force that will be patrolling neighborhoods throughout Happy Valley during the holiday weekend. These officers are focused on identifying and addressing illegal fireworks activity. Use or possession of illegal fireworks will result in an automatic $1,000 fine and/or face criminal charges.

The City’s 4th of July safety initiatives are about more than enforcing rules—they’re about protecting what matters most:

• Preserving our open spaces and reducing the risk of wildfires
• Protecting pets, who often experience distress from loud noises
• Supporting veterans and others affected by PTSD
• Maintaining peace of mind for families and individuals sensitive to fireworks
• Keeping emergency services available for true life-threatening situations

There are two ways that residents can help keep Happy Valley safe and report the use of illegal fireworks through two simple options:

1. Submit a Concern online at https://hv.city/report-a-concern
2. Call the Non-Emergency Line at (503) 655-8211
3. For more information on the fireworks amnesty program, fireworks task force or our safety initiatives, please call Steve Campbell, City of Happy Valley Director of Public Safety: (971) 563-4641.

City Of Happy Valley Amnesty Program Aims To Keep Illegal Fireworks Off The Streets (Photo) -06/30/25

In an ongoing effort to prioritize community safety, the City of Happy Valley is once again partnering with residents, the Happy Valley Police Department, and the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office to host a Fireworks Amnesty Drop-Off event.

Starting today, June 30-July 3, between 8 a.m and 5 p.m., community members can anonymously dispose of illegal fireworks at the Happy Valley Community Policing Center (12915 SE King Rd.). A clearly marked receptacle will be located near the front entrance for easy, judgment-free drop-off. No questions will be asked, and no identifying information will be collected.

While fireworks are often associated with Fourth of July festivities, illegal fireworks can cause significant harm. In addition to the risk of personal injury, property damage, and wildfires that threaten homes and nearby natural areas, they can also trigger severe anxiety in veterans with PTSD, young children, and our beloved pets, who may become distressed or disoriented by loud and unpredictable explosions.

Happy Valley continues to enforce a zero-tolerance policy on illegal fireworks, in place since 2010. The City’s dedicated Fireworks Task Force will be actively monitoring neighborhoods in the days leading up to the holiday. Anyone caught using illegal fireworks within City limits will be subject to an immediate $1,000 citation, with the potential for criminal charges.

Illegal fireworks complaints rise sharply during the holiday season. This amnesty program provides a safe and responsible way for residents to dispose of fireworks that are not permitted—helping reduce risk while supporting a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July for all.

Residents in Happy Valley are encouraged to report illegal fireworks use by calling the non-emergency police line at 503-655-8211. Residents are asked to ONLY CALL 9-1-1 if there is an ongoing emergency that endangers life or is causing active harm to personal property. Using 9-1-1 because of distant fireworks, in an unknown place, occupies these vital lines and could slow down emergency assistance to others who need it.

For more information on the fireworks amnesty program, please call Steve Campbell, City of Happy Valley Director of Public Safety: (971) 563-4641.

The City Of Happy Valley Partners With U.S. Army National Guard And Local Nonprofits For Dumpster Day — A Community Effort To Clean, Recycle, And Give Back (Photo) -06/14/25

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - Photos included, videos emailed directly upon request. 
June 14, 2025

Happy Valley Breaks Records at Annual Dumpster Day Event

Happy Valley, OR — The City of Happy Valley proudly hosted its annual Dumpster Day event this weekend, providing residents with an opportunity to dispose of unwanted household items responsibly while promoting environmental sustainability and community involvement. This year’s event saw a record-breaking turnout, with 625 vehicles passing through—making it the most successful Dumpster Day to date.

Thanks to the support of key community partners, the event featured robust recycling, disposal, and donation services. A total of 23 disposal containers were made available by Waste Management, Recology, and Kahut, who generously donated all fuel, trucking, and driver time to support the event.

Metro was on site collecting hazardous household materials, safely gathering:

• 70 pounds of sharps

• 53 pounds of CFL bulbs

• 384 pounds of batteries
  Additionally, Metro distributed 10 free sharps containers to promote safe at-home disposal practices.

Other contributions included:

• Hoodview Disposal & Recycling: Secure shredding of approximately 3,000 pounds of sensitive documents

• Goodwill: Collection of around 400 reusable household items

• Reborn Bikes: Donation of more than 60 used bicycles for repair or parts recovery

• Les Schwab Tires: Recycling support for 300 tires and roughly 40 car batteries

• Scouts of America Troop 611: Collection of 20 U.S. flags for proper and respectful retirement

The event would not have been possible without the dedicated volunteers from the National Charity League (NCL), Boys Team Charity (BTC), the Happy Valley Youth Council, and the U.S. Army National Guard, who spent the day unloading vehicles, directing traffic, and assisting residents. Their commitment and enthusiasm helped ensure a smooth, safe, and welcoming experience for all participants.

“This event demonstrates what can happen when partners, volunteers, and residents unite for a common cause,” said Steve Campbell, Community Safety Director. “Dumpster Day is not only about cleaning up—it's about community pride, environmental stewardship, and teamwork.”

Dumpster Day continues to be one of Happy Valley’s most popular annual events, reflecting the city’s strong commitment to sustainability and civic connection.

For more information about future Dumpster Day events and other environmental programs, please visit www.happyvalleyor.gov.