SAPD, SAFD taking steps to ensure safe Tricentennial New Year's Eve Celebration

Downtown event kicks off city's 300th birthday celebration

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio first responders will have an increased presence at tonight's Tricentennial New Year's Eve celebration.

Here's everything you need to know about the SA300 NYE celebration

The downtown event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Hemisfair, as San Antonians celebrate the official kick-off to the city's 300th birthday.

"We're used to these events. We just kind of scale things up," said San Antonio Fire Department spokesman Joe Arrington.

Arrington said some EMS personnel will be on bicycles, so they can get in and out of large crowds more easily if there is an emergency situation.

More staffing will be in place for downtown ambulances and fire trucks.

"We're capable of handling massive numbers," said Arrington, who pointed out that SAFD routinely assists in large events such as the Fiesta parades and major sporting events at the Alamodome.

Arrington and San Antonio Police Department spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Ramos both encouraged partygoers to alert a first responder if they see something suspicious.

New Year's Eve forecast

Ramos said SAPD will utilize a portable camera system to help "keep an eye on the crowd" and will receive assistance from the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI.

Ramos encouraged attendees to use a clear bag instead of a purse to store their personal belongings to help with screening outside the park.

"Before you get to this event, make a plan, get home safely. We want families to be out there, have fun," said Ramos.


About the Author:

Emmy-award winning reporter Dillon Collier joined KSAT Investigates in September 2016. Dillon's investigative stories air weeknights on the Nightbeat and on the Six O'Clock News. Dillon is a two-time Houston Press Club Journalist of the Year and a Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year.