Fireworks and dogs

Question
What is the appropriate human response or action to take when a sound sensitive dog is suddenly "accosted" by the feared sound?
We (my dog and I) were quietly sitting in my large(fenced) backyard when some idiot not far away started to blow off fireworks despite the fact that it is now the end of September and they are illegal in this State.
The dog started to pant and to drool and to pace all around the yard, then came in front of me (presenting his rear,) then sat with his back to me but real close, then ran up the back porch steps near the back door. He wanted to go inside.
I didn't take him inside at first. I just acted like nothing out of the ordinary was happening but I finally just had to bring him in, put the air conditioner on and raise the volume of the TV.
I also went outside (alone) to look for the idiot to tell him to knock it off or I would call the police. But, by that time, the fool must have been finished and no further kabooms could be heard.
So, what would you have done?  What do I do in the future?
Why can't people obey the laws which were written to protect ALL of us? I am so angry. Thank you.
P.S. - If I had been walking him (on leash, of course) when this happened, he would have freaked out and tried to pull me home. The house and yard should be his sanctuaries, but I am surrounded by fools and idiots! Help!

Answer
A great many of us are surrounded by "fools and idiots", sorta scary, huh?

When any of my dogs exhibited fearful reaction to sound (fireworks, thunder, vacuum cleaner!) -- even when I anticipated that reaction -- I basically ignored it BUT I would never allow a dog to remain in a situation I could easily remedy, such as you describe.  If the fireworks (sudden) frighten a dog and you are outdoors, redirecting him to a behavior you can reward (something very simple, even making eye contact with a 'watch me') and then taking him indoors is the best way to address it.  Ignoring it yourself might not work: your adrenaline is running, the dog can smell it, you're giving body signals of stress (very subtle but dogs watch us continually).  Of course you can't "erase" the sound if it triggers a fear reaction indoors but you can allow the dog to retreat without making comment or demonstrating any reaction at all.  (One of my dogs leaves the room almost magically whenever the vacuum cleaner appears.)

Sound sensitivity is a common problem.  Many people try to comfort the dog (worst thing you can do), some are impatient (makes it worse); I usually suggest a person or group (family) throw a ten second "party" (laugh and have a good time) all the while totally "ignoring" the dog.  Over time, if people are casual and appear not at all worried, SOME dogs will lose their fear (or their reactions will diminish).