Millions of spectators flocked to the East River to watch the spectacular Macy's Fourth of July fireworks display, the largest in the nation.
Macy's 2016 Fireworks Spectacular in Pictures
A little rain before the show didn't dampen spirits of people, some of whom staked out their spots hours before the big event. Hunters Point Park in Long Island City, Queens was again one of the popular viewing areas.
"There's only one way to experience it, watching it live," said Long Island City resident Luis Pinto as he clutched an umbrella.
About 5,000 NYPD officers were dispatched to oversee the show, the largest detail the NYPD has ever assigned on July Fourth. Officers equipped with heavy vests, helmets and carrying rifles were stationed at each of the 24 entry points to see the show on Manhattan's east side.
More than 30 police dogs were also on patrol, as well as every NYPD boat from the marine unit, O'Neill said.
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Spectators said they felt safe.
"We got New York's finest taking care of us. We saw the dogs, we saw all the police. We're all right," said Mike Dirkin.
