EL PASO COUNTY, Texas (KFOX14\/CBS4) \u2014 Thousands of people gathered across El Paso County on Saturday to celebrate the Fourth of July, and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office increased patrols to help keep holiday festivities safe.<\/p>\n
KFOX14 rode along with deputies in Red Sands, one of the county’s busiest Fourth of July destinations, where families spent the day grilling, riding ATVs and celebrating with friends.<\/p>\n
Many people told KFOX14 they noticed the larger law enforcement presence and said it made them feel safer.<\/p>\n
“We’re surprised that there’s a lot of security,” one woman celebrating in Red Sands said. “We feel a little bit safer compared to accidents that have happened in previous years.”<\/p>\n
Another person celebrating added that the increased patrols helped create a safer environment for families.<\/p>\n
“It feels a little safer, more in control,” the woman said. “There are kids around, so it’s good we have the cops around. Everyone’s behaving a little more.”<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: El Paso rolls out $10 Uber discount vouchers to curb drunk driving over July 4 weekend<\/a><\/p>\n While families celebrated, deputies worked throughout the county as part of the sheriff’s Fourth of July safety operation.<\/p>\n Sgt. Eric Vela said the goal is to allow people to enjoy the holiday while preventing serious incidents.<\/p>\n According to Vela, deputies are focusing on impaired drivers, making sure ATVs stay off public roadways, monitoring high-traffic areas, and maintaining aid stations that can respond quickly if emergencies arise.<\/p>\n The sheriff’s office is also using technology to help monitor activity throughout the county.<\/p>\n “We have our drones that pop up from our posts,” Vela said. “We have different agencies helping us out with cameras and license plate readers. We may not be able to see it in real time, but as soon as we get that information, we try to respond as best as possible.”<\/p>\n Vela said deputies are also patrolling heavily traveled areas in an effort to spot dangerous behavior before it leads to serious crashes or injuries.<\/p>\n “We’re up and down the main areas,” Vela said. “We have our stations set up, eyes and ears on what’s going on in this area, so hopefully we do see something before anything serious happens, whether it’s someone being reckless on an ATV or kids not being watched.”<\/p>\n The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said the increased enforcement will continue throughout the holiday weekend.<\/p>\n Officials are reminding people to plan for a sober ride home, follow fireworks and ATV safety laws, and make responsible decisions while celebrating.<\/p>\n RECOMMENDED: Red Sands crowds for July 4 prompt extra sheriff patrols in Far East El Paso desert<\/a><\/p>\n