Tuesday, July 29, 2014

FREE: Community Party

Clifton’s Kimwood Park site of National Night Out Party

Mesa County, Colo. -- Getting out to meet your neighbors and keep your community safer is the goal of National Night Out—America’s Night Out Against Crime, which is why Crime Stoppers of Mesa County and the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office are hosting a free community party in Clifton on Tuesday, August 5, from 5p.m. to 8 p.m., at Kimwood Park.

National Night Out is an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. This is the third year Crime Stoppers of Mesa County and the Sheriff’s Office have partnered to host this free, family event.

The Kimwood Park community event will include information from Crime Stoppers, Clifton Fire Department truck/water demonstrations, a live DJ, free ice cream, bump 'n' jumps,

Sara the Safetysaurus and much more! In addition, Safe Teens America—The Neural Activity Drug Free Crew will be giving away free sports equipment, bicycles and will have anti-drug mini-classes for the kids.

The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Kimwood Park is located at 3240 White Avenue, Clifton, Colo.

Monday, July 28, 2014

Danny Stetzel Arrested By GJPD

GJPD Arrest Daniel Stetzel On Warrant(s)

Dec 2013 MCSO Photo
Mesa County, Colo. -- Officer with the Grand Junction Police Department arrested Daniel "Danny" Stetzel, 31, on a warrant or warrants previously issued by other agencies (not MCSO). Investigators are thus no longer actively trying to locate Danny.

He has been booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the active warrant(s). Information about any inmate in our facility can be found through our Inmate Inquiry System, located on our agency website. Also, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopbeat and #MesaCounty.


Saturday, July 26, 2014

Missing Woman Found, Deceased

Body Found In Desert, Missing Woman

DOC Photo
Update Posted July 28, 2014 -- Daniel Stetzel was arrested on outstanding warrants by officer with the Grand Junction Police Department. Read more, here.

Mesa County, Colo. -- The Mesa County Coroner has identified the body found in the desert north of Grand Junction, off 25 Road, as Kathleen Stetzel. Kathleen was reported missing by family members earlier this week and investigators had been trying to locate her and her son, Daniel Stetzel.

MCSO Dec 2013
Investigators are still trying to locate 31-year-old, Daniel Stetzel. They have labeled Daniel as a person of interest, and emphasize they want to speak with him about his mother. Anyone with information about Daniel or his whereabouts, should call 911 or non-emergency dispatch at: 242-6707.

The death investigation of Kathleen Stetzel remains active and on-going.

Friday, July 25, 2014

BLM Issues Fire Restrictions In Portion Of McInnis Canyons NCA

Fire Restrictions for McInnis Canyons NCA 

Colorado River Corridor

Released: July 24, 2014

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. —  Bureau of Land Management officials ordered fire restrictions in portions of McInnis Canyons NCA that will be in effect beginning Monday.

Fire restrictions will impact campers floating the Colorado River between the Loma boat ramp and the Utah border. Fires are currently restricted to fire pans for this stretch of river. Beginning Monday, the use of fires for campers along the Colorado River in McInnis Canyons National Conservation Area will be unlawful. Cooking stoves equipped with an on-off switch remain legal.  

“We need to institute fire restrictions due to dry conditions specific to the river corridor,” said Collin Ewing, manager McInnis Canyons NCA. A recent fire destroyed sensitive resources in camping spots along the river.  According to Ewing, fires pose a serious threat to fragile cottonwood galleries along the river that are highly valued by campers for valuable shade in the hot dry NCA. “We’ve been working hard to get cottonwoods established and we don’t want to damage this sensitive resource or jeopardize future camping experiences.”

Camping in the area covered by the fire restrictions is by permit only. Use of fire beginning 1201 a.m. Monday is a violation to camping permit regulations and will result in penalties for violation of permit rules.  Individuals responsible for wildfire can be held responsible for damages that may extend into the $ millions. Violation of fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000 or imprisonment of not more than 12 months or both.

This restriction does not apply to other public lands on the western slope. Conditions not impacted by this fire restriction remain dry and vulnerable to wildfire but are not affected by this restriction.  Federal fire officials still urge extreme caution with any burning.

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Thursday, July 24, 2014

Death Investigation In North Desert Area

BLM Ranger & Deputy at Highline Canal/25 Road

Investigators On-Scene Of Unattended Death In Desert

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies and investigators converged on the scene of a body found in the desert north of Grand Junction, in the area of 25 and J Roads. The call came into the Regional Communication Dispatch Center around 3:30 p.m., on a report of a body found by a passerby in the desert north of the Highline Canal. Law enforcement have blocked access to the desert from 25 Road while investigators conduct the on-scene investigation.

MCSO Crime Scene Van crossing Highline Canal
The Sheriff's Office is conducting an unattended death investigation, while the area where the body was found is on land managed by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management. The agency's crime scene processing van and unmanned aerial systems are currently on-scene. Investigators will process the scene while also looking for any connection to the missing person investigation that continues to be active.

The Mesa County Coroner will assist in the investigation to determine cause and manner of death, as well as confirm identity of the deceased person. The Coroner will notify next of kin prior to releasing any personal information related to this case.

Further details will be released as they become available. 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Woman Reported Missing

Grand Junction Woman Reported Missing

Kathleen Stetzel, 60, of Grand Jct.
Update on July 26, 2014 -- Kathleen has been identified by the Coroner, and is no longer a missing person. For more information, click here.

Update on July 24, 2014 -- Family members of Kathleen reported her missing and a report was taken by deputies in the early hours of Tuesday, July 22, 2014. Investigators continue to ask the public to be watching for Kathleen and/or her son, Daniel, and report either of them to dispatch or investigators (contact information below).

Mesa County, Colo. -- Investigators are working a report of a missing adult female, Kathleen Lynn Stetzel, 54-years-old (DOB: 02/23/1960), in the 700 block of 25 Road, Grand Junction. Investigators also need to speak with her son, Daniel John Stetzel, 31-years-old (DOB: 02/14/1983), of Mesa County.

Daniel Stetzel, Dec 2013
MCSO Booking Photo
Anyone who has seen her or sees her, should contact non-emergency dispatch at (970) 242-6707, or Investigators at (970) 244-3264/3252. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

For other information released from law enforcement in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.
**Kathleen's age has been corrected from the original release. We apologize for any confusion.**

Agency Volunteer Raises Money For Hilltop's Latimer House

Sheriff's Volunteer Raises Money For Latimer House

Ted is in the green shirt, second from right
Mesa County, Colo. -- This morning, a group of people were standing on the sidewalk outside the main office of Latimer House, a crisis intervention and support program for domestic violence within Hilltop, a western slope non-profit. In the center of the group is shiny 1963 Ford Ranchero, owned by Ted, a Victim Advocate for the Sheriff's Office. 

With Ted and his beautifully restored antique car, were several people who participated in the first car show, that was held at the 2014 Mesa County Fair, along with Fair and Latimer staff, and Sheriff's Office folks, all in support of Ted and the money he raised.

Ted's idea was a car show at the County Fair. Jo Carole Haxel, Fairgrounds Manager, put Ted's idea into action and with a lot of success she said, today. The goal was a 100 cars, and while they didn't have that many cars in the car show, they did have a great turn out of locals who enjoyed the Fair and the car show! Through entry fees, minus a few housekeeping purchases, the car show through the local car club Wild West Falcon, donated $1,460.10, to the Latimer House. That's what the beautiful car was doing parked on Main Street and 10th Avenue with a small gathering of people around it. 

To view a short video of the check being handed off, view our YouTube video here.

Jennifer, a Latimer House employee, said the money will go into the Latimer House's general fund to be used for priority needs, which will likely be emergency housing. That is so expensive and currently where they are in the most need for funding, she said. Hilltop and Latimer House staff expressed their gratefulness to Ted for his idea, his willingness to make it happen and his generosity. We too salute Ted, Jo Carole and the Wild West Falcon car club, for their large donation to this outstanding local non-profit organization.

Look for the car show at the 2015 County Fair, if Ted has his way! And, Hilltop hosts their second annual car show at Canyonview Park August 30 and 31, 2014.

Meth Arrests Made Monday & Tuesday

Back To Back Meth Arrests Made By SCU

Mesa County, Colo. -- Deputies with the agency's Street Crimes Unit arrested Stephanie Clark, 31, of Clifton on Monday evening in the 500 block of 30 Road, Grand Junction. Stephanie had an active warrant for distribution of methamphetamine, money laundering and possession of drug paraphernalia. 
Stephanie Clark, 31, of Clifton
Deputies found 18.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine in the vehicle she was driving. And, during the booking process another 1.8 grams of meth were located on her body. She was booked on the warrant and new charges, unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (meth), possession of a controlled substance (meth), introduction of contraband (into the jail), possession of drug paraphernalia and a traffic infraction.

Stephanie is currently being held in the Mesa County Detention Facility on a cash only bond of $100,000.00. 
Amanda Kenney, 41, of Clifton

Yesterday, Amanda Kenney, 41, of Clifton, was arrested after deputies contacted her driving a vehicle while her license is restrained. According to Colorado driving records, Amanda's driver's license was suspended for non-payment of child support. Deputies noted in their arrest report of Amanda, that "a loaded hypodermic needle" with suspected drug substance in it, was located in her driver's seat.

Amanda was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on possession of a controlled substance, drug paraphernalia, drove vehicle with suspended license and a traffic infraction. Her bond was set at $5,000.00, cash or surety.

For other updates on emergency related incidents in our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Heroin Dealer Arrested

Adam Hesse, 24, of Grand Junction

Heroin Dealer Arrested With Loaded Gun

Mesa County, Colo. -- Adam Hesse, 24, of Grand Junction, was arrested by patrol deputies responding to a report of a fight and assault in the area of 29 3/8 Road and Bunting Avenue. Through the course of investigating Adam, they determined he was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

Further contact with Adam turned up 23 pre-packaged bags of heroin, along with nearly a gram of suspect heroin and under the driver's seat of Adam's vehicle, deputies located a loaded handgun with a chambered round.

Adam was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the following charges:
  • Special Offender in Possession of a Weapon (felony)
  • Possession of Heroin, Intent to Distribute (felony)
  • Prohibited Use of a Handgun (misdemeanor)
  • Drove Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs (misdemeanor)
Adam posted a $60,000.00, cash or surety bond today and is next scheduled in court at 8 a.m., on July 24, 2014. For information about other inmates in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And, for other emergency related information from across our area, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.

Monday, July 14, 2014

AR-15 Style Rifle & Ballistic Body Armor Found With Wanted Man

Man Wanted For Stolen Rifle, Arrested With Multiple Guns

Colin Williams, 36, of Grand Jct.
Mesa County, Colo. -- Saturday afternoon, deputies with the agency's Street Crimes Unit, arrested Colin Williams, 36, of Grand Junction, without incident in the front yard of 2738 Laguna Drive. The home is located across the street from the Orchard Mesa Community Center pool and near Eagle Rim park. 

Colin was wanted on a $100,000.00, warrant for possession of an AR-15 rifle that was listed as stolen, among other guns in a home he was living, in February 2013. Deputies were on-scene of that home last year, on Delicious Drive in Clifton, after a man inside Colin's home attempted suicide injuring himself and a woman standing behind him.

In addition to being booked into the jail on the warrant for the 2013 stolen rifle and a warrant for a 2012 harassment charge that he failed to appear in court on, Colin was booked on six additional felony charges of possession of a weapon by a previous offender. The new charges are associated with deputies locating an AR-15 style rifle, along with ballistic body armor and five additional firearms, inside the home on Laguna Drive. A criminal history of Colin, shows two prior felony convictions.

Colin's bond is currently set at $110,000.00. For more information about him or other inmates in our facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. And, follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty.




Ex-Boyfriend Breaks Into Home Of Former Girlfriend

Woman Home During Ex-Boyfriend's Break-In

Mesa County, Colo. -- The sun had risen Saturday morning, but the air would have still been chilly when the female resident of a home in the 3100 block of Forrest Way, Grand Junction, heard her door bell repeatedly rang. According to the arrest report, the woman recognized the adult male at her door as a previous boyfriend, Gene Wiltse, 32, of Grand Junction.

Gene Wiltse, 32, of Grand Jct.
Gene is currently a Colorado Department of Correction's parolee, according to their website. In March 2007, he was sentenced to prison on two separate cases stemming from 2005 and 2006.

When deputies arrived at the home of the female on Forrest Way, she was coming out the front door with Gene right behind her, also exiting out the front door. He was arrested, after deputies located the backdoor of the home with forced entry damage and more.

Gene was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on one count each of 2nd Degree Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Harassment with a Domestic Violence enhancer. He is currently held without bond, in the jail. 

For information about inmates currently in our detention facility, visit our Inmate Inquiry System webpage. Also, be sure to follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty for other area emergency related events. 

SWAT Training Held At Local BLM Rifle Range

SWAT Training Held At Local Rifle Range, Thursday

Prior SWAT rifle training photograph, MCSO
Mesa County, Colo. -- From 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Thursday, July 17, the Sheriff's Office SWAT Team will be using the U. S. Bureau of Land Management's rifle range for specialized training. The rifle range will be closed to public shooting for safety during those training hours, only. However, the area around the rifle range and the BLM pistol range will be open to the public (as usual). In addition, training signs will be posted in the area of the rifle range to notify citizens of the SWAT training event. 

The BLM rifle range is located north on 27 1/4 Road, near the bookcliffs. 

Friday, July 11, 2014

Four Suspects Need Identified

Stolen Credit Cards Used Around Grand Junction

Suspect Vehicle: Faded blue Dodge Truck
Mesa County, Colo. -- The first report was for multiple items stolen out of vehicles, in a parking lot of a recreational site in Mesa County. Deputies took the reports on July 6, 2014. Since then, credit cards believed to have been removed during that break-in string have been used across town.

Female Suspect
Four suspects have been identified in connection to using the stolen credit cards (three are pictured here). The following surveillance photos are released in an effort to assist our investigators in identifying the suspects. 
Male Suspect #1

The female suspect is described as wearing a 'Dopeboys' t-shirt in this surveillance video picture (left).

The male suspect #1 (photo right), is described as having dark hair with a widows peak, a small amount of facial hair and big ears. He was wearing a black or dark colored shirt, jeans and had on a gray or blue wrist band on his left arm.
Male Suspect #2
The male suspect #2 (photo right), was bald or shaved his head, wearing the black sweatshirt seen in this surveillance photo. 

The fourth suspect was not photographed, but was the driver of the blue Dodge pick-up truck. The truck has distinguishing faded paint on the hood, likely from heat or water damage. 

Anyone with information about this group, should contact Inv. Henderson directly at: (970) 244-3264, or through Crime Stoppers of Mesa County.



Thursday, July 10, 2014

Phone Scam In Mesa County

Phone Scam Circulating In Mesa County

Mesa County, Colo. -- We are aware of a new scam involving the citizens of Mesa County. Citizens are being called by someone claiming to be from Mesa County Sheriff’s Office. The caller informs them they have missed Jury Duty and a warrant has been issued for their arrest. They then are requesting an immediate call and/or credit card, to take care of the warrant.

This is NOT Mesa County Sheriff’s Office making these calls. Mesa County Sheriff’s Office does NOT, ever solicit funds over the phone. As always, if you receive a phone call from someone that you do NOT know, or from a company that you have NOT requested the services of: DO NOT GIVE THEM ANY PERSONAL OR FINANCIAL INFORMATION. EVER.

If you  believe you have been a victim of a scam or fraud, or would like to report a possible scam, call non-emergency dispatch at: (970) 242-6707.

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Monday, July 7, 2014

Man Jailed for Child Abuse on 5-Month-Old Son

Child Who Suffered Seriously Bodily Injury, Father Arrested

   Father made claims of "dropping" 5-month-old, leading to a skull fracture 

By: Katie, MCSO Intern 

Mesa County, Colo.— On June 26, 2014 deputies arrested Chad Martin, 29, of Grand Junction, on an arrest warrant out of the Mesa County Sheriff's Office by Investigator Peter Burg. Martin has been charged with two counts of child abuse. One count was under the knowing or reckless actions that caused seriously bodily injury, and the second count was under lack of medical care/ knowingly, with serious bodily injury.

Chad Martin, 29, of Grand Junction
Chad made claims to dropping the 5-month-old baby onto a carpeted cement floor as the child pushed away from him. Originally, a local physician agreed the scenario for the injuries the baby had could be consistent with the events described by the father, Chad Martin. However, in a later discussion with the Sheriff's Office investigator, Chad revealed the child hit his head on the toe of a steel toed boot.

Chad told and showed his mother the injuries the child had suffered and she said it did not appear too serious and that she did not think he needed to see a doctor, but to watch the child to see if he got worse. Chad also told investigators he talked to a neighbor, whom he described as a 'nurse.' Chad said, when she did a quick eye exam and a reflex type exam she thought the child was fine, and unless the child worsened, he did not need to see a doctor.

The mother of the child was also informed of the injury on the same day it occurred. Sarah McManis stated Chad first said, he had dropped the child on his foot, not mentioning the steel toed boots until after a couple of statements to her about his own foot. Information was later revealed that the neighbor/nurse is unemployed and did take a 'med tech' class, but is not a nurse. Several attempts have been made by Investigator Burg to contact her, but have been unsuccessful.

On September 17, 2013, DHS called Investigator Burg and stated that, "all the doctors agree this was non-accidental trauma. The type of fracture could not have been caused by the mechanism explained by Chad." By this time, the child had developed another bruise on the other side of his face, as well as the skull fracture. Chad originally agreed to take a polygraph test but later declined the polygraph and advised he wanted to speak to an attorney.

Further findings by pediatric physician specialists, outside of Mesa County, relayed the following description fro cause of the injuries as "he had not been dropped but more likely was either hit against a hard object, causing injury to both sides of his head/face, or his head was shoved against something causing the bruise to his face and fracture to his head. Both instances would require a great deal of force."

After final reports came in from physicians, there was probable cause to believe that Chad Martin caused the injury to his son. He was arrested without incident and is currently booked in the Mesa County Detention Facility.


July 4th Holiday Weekend Arrest Summaries

Fourth of July Weekend Brought in Multiple Arrests 

By: Katie, MCSO Intern 

Mesa County, Colo.— The Mesa County Sheriff's Office would like to report that over the holiday weekend, two individuals were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI), and one suspected driver under the influence of drugs (DUID). A Palisade man blew a BAC (Blood Alcohol Content) of .104 and a 57-year-old female, blew a BAC of .110. The legal BAC limit in Colorado is .08, to be designated as a drunk driver.

Rosas, 29
— Shemene Rosas, 29, of Grand Junction, was arrested on July 2, 2014 on six charges, by deputies with the Street Crimes Unit. These charges include: 
  • Possession of a Schedule II substance
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Tampering with Physical Evidence
  • Violation of Bail Bonds
  • Driving A Motor Vehicle on a Revoked Driver's License 
  • Stopping a Vehicle on a Paved Portion of Highway
Shemene admitted to owning a found meth pipe and is currently on bond for two prior felony cases, which stipulate she is not allowed to commit any new felony crimes. 

Crone, 25
— Angela Crone, 25, of Grand Junction, was arrested by a deputy assigned to patrol, on July 6, 2014 on three charges and six total counts. These charges include two counts each of: 
  • Criminal Impersonation
  • Drove Vehicle When License Under Restraint (Suspended) 
  • Forgery
The criminal impersonation charges were for using her sister's identity on two previous tickets issued from a Colorado law enforcement entity. Crone was booked into the Mesa County Jail on the above charges. 
Murphy, 41 


—Dawn Murphy, 41, of Whitewater, was arrested on July 4, 2014 on four charges. These charges include: 
  • Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (meth)
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • No Proof of Insurance
  • Failed to Drive in Single Lane/Weaving
Drug paraphernalia and less than two grams of methamphetamine were found in Dawn's possession after a traffic stop, by deputies with the Street Crimes Unit. Dawn was booked into the Mesa County Detention Facility on the above charges. 

Harris, 31 
— Carson Harris, 31, of Fruita, was arrested on two charges on July 5, 2014, by a patrol deputy with a keen eye for drivers who stray over the double yellow lines. After a traffic stop of Carson's vehicle, the deputy noted in his report that the driving caused an immediate public safety concern. Carson denied being under the influence of alcohol, but had admitted to taking prescription medication earlier in the day. 

A passenger in the vehicle also appeared to being under the influence of drugs/alcohol. Carson agreed to voluntary road rise maneuvers, which validated the deputies concern that he was under the influence of a substance. After being searched incident to arrest, multiple forms of prescription drugs were found, as well as a bindle with white residual crystals that tested positive for methamphetamine. He was charged with the following: 
  • Possession of Schedule II (meth) 
  • Drove Under the Influence (DUID)

Johnson, 30 
—Jeremiah Johnson, 30, of Grand Junction, was booked into the Mesa County Jail on multiple charges July 4, 2014. Johnson was charged with thirteen charges after dispatch aired a verbal disturbance and patrol deputies arrived on scene. The following charges led to Johnson's arrest:
  • Physical Harassment
  • Obstruction of Telephone Services 
  • False Imprisonment, Felony Menacing (2 counts) 
  • Child Abuse-no injury 
  • Criminal Mischief less than $100.00 
  • Theft $50.00-$300.00 
  • Tampering with Evidence
  • 1st Degree Aggravated Motor vehicle Theft 
  • Theft less than $50.00
  • Resisting Arrest 
  • Obstructing a Peace Officer
  • Domestic Violence, A sentence enhancer. 

You can obtain information about inmates currently booked into our facility, through the Inmate Inquiry System webpage. You can also follow us on Twitter @SheriffMesaColo using #GVCopBeat and #MesaCounty, for other emergency related information.

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Firefighters Pleased to Announce No July 4 Fire Restrictions


FIREFIGHTERS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE NO JULY 4 FIRE RESTRICTIONS
Feds, Sheriff and Fire Chiefs Still Urge Caution

Mesa County, Colo. —  Federal fire officials from the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Unit in tandem with local firefighting entities encourage the public to be cautious with fire, but will not initiate fire restrictions for the July 4 holiday. 

For the first time in years, fuel conditions are favorable enough to avoid fire restrictions during the popular holiday on public lands that UCR provides fire management, and consistently across Mesa County, says Mesa County Emergency Manager Andy Martsolf.

“We’ve had to institute fire restrictions in the past years to reduce wildland fire danger to the public,” said Chris Farinetti, UCR fire management officer. “The public has remained responsible with fire restrictions in the past years and we’re pleased that we will not be required to pose restrictions this July 4. We understand how important campfires and other responsible use of fire are to the public especially during the July 4 holiday and we’re glad conditions are such that restrictions aren’t needed.”


Moisture levels in large fuels are much higher than in previous years providing positive wildland fire outlooks. Fire officials caution that fine fuels, such as grass, have already dried and cured for the season. Fine fuels remain available for burning, so officials do caution they could easily catch and and spread wildfire quickly.

“People using fireworks should avoid fine fuels and seek private property with plenty of protections from quick ignitions on fuels ready to burn,” said Farinetti. “At no time should anyone be using fireworks on land managed by the federal government.”

Highlights—
  • The use of fireworks on federal land is illegal.  
  • No one under the age of 16-years-old, can purchase or possess fireworks.
  • Any devices or components that, when used or ignited, project or disburse any metal, glass, or brittle plastic fragments are illegal. Cherry bombs, roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, shells and rockets, M-80s and M-100s, and helicopters are all examples of illegal fireworks.
  • A good rule of thumb: anything that explodes or leaves the ground is most likely illegal in Colorado.
  • Any person who violates the laws pertaining to the sale, possession, and use of fireworks commits a class 3 misdemeanor and faces up to $750 in fines, six months in prison, or both.
  • Okay fireworks include: Cylindrical or cone fountains, wheels and ground spinners, illuminating torches and colored fire, dipped sticks and sparklers, toy propellant or toy smoke devices, trick noise makers and snake or glow worms are all permissible.
“The Mesa County Fire Chief’s Association wishes everyone a happy Independence Day and reminds everyone to celebrate safely,” Palisade Fire Chief Richard Rupp, President of the Fire Chief’s Association, said.

Community Resources/Non-Emergency—
  • BLM Field Office, Grand Junction: (970) 244-3000
  • US Forest Service/White River National Forest: (970) 945-2521
  • Colorado National Monument: (970) 858-3617
  • Grand Junction Fire Department: (970) 244-1400
  • Lower Valley Fire Department: (970) 858-3133
  • Palisade Fire Department: (970) 464-5602
  • Plateau Valley Fire Department: (970) 487-3762
  • Glade Park Fire Department: (970) 243-8037
  • Mesa County Sheriff’s Office/Office of Emergency Management: (970) 244-1763
    • Sheriff’s Office Fire Marshal: (970) 244-3973



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