Jones Beach July 4 fireworks canceled

JONES BEACH, New York The state parks department says it doesn't have enough police officers to patrol the popular event because of state cuts to its budget.

Even if additional funds were found, there would be no time to train police officers for the 15-year-old annual display.

State parks regional director Ronald Foley says Albany's budget problems have eliminated a park police training academy class for three consecutive years.

The number of park police and rangers on Long Island has fallen from 117 in 2004 to about 85 now.

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