This Fourth of July, Farmingdale residents didn't have to travel too far for a healthy dose of Independence Day fun. While many residents enjoyed traditional backyard barbecues, others headed for the picnic area at nearby Bethpage State Park. The more adventurous Farmingdalers joined the estimated 150,000 Long Islanders at the annual fireworks show at Jones Beach.

However, prior to all the festivities, there was an arrest in the local area related to illegal firework activity.

About a week before Independence Day, the 1st Precinct of the Suffolk County Police put a stop to the sale of fireworks in the eastern, industrial part of Farmingdale, after concerned citizens tipped officers off to the illegal activity. Officers received information from residents that illegal fireworks were being sold from TNT Precision Tool, located at 148 Central Avenue, Farmingdale.

On June 29, police conducted an undercover investigation, and seized fireworks worth approximately $15,000, as well as $8,200 in cash, and numerous fireworks purchase records. As a result of the investigation, Thomas Tana of Commack was arrested and charged with two counts of unlawfully dealing with fireworks. The officers had obtained two search warrants - one for Tana's business, and a second for his home, according to a police spokesperson.

"Mr. Tana was released on $500 station house bail," said the police spokesperson. "He will have to appear in First District Court, Central Islip, for arraignment at a later date."

In addition to the arrest, Town of Babylon fire marshals responded to the scene and issued Tana several summonses.

Meanwhile, Police Officer Robert Boden, of Suffolk's 1st Precinct reported Wednesday that there were no major injuries or deaths related to fireworks this Fourth of July in the Suffolk section of Farmingdale. However, he said that the death of a man in nearby Bayshore, caused by illegal fireworks exploding in his face, should send a strong message to local residents about the dangers of handling the explosives.

"Fireworks are illegal, and anybody foolish enough to use them should know that they should only be used by professionals or people with training," said Officer Boden. "They're very dangerous, and should only be used by licensed professionals."

As for the Nassau section of Farmingdale, there were no arrests or injuries related to illegal firework activity this year, according to Officer Kris Solberg of Nassau County's 8th Police Precinct. "It was a relatively a quiet day," said Officer Solberg. He added, "It's been getting quieter and quieter around here the last couple of years," attributing an apparent decline in local illegal firework activity to "more awareness of how you can get hurt."