On November 15, 2006 there was a flash fire at the Bartolotta Fireworks Co in Genesee Depot, WI. Company employees were assembling and packaging pyrotechnic gas generators for end use in splitting rocks in construction, demolition and quarrying.
Rocco Bartolotta, 22, Dominic "Nick" Bartolotta, 30 and Anthony "Tony" Bartolotta, 32 were injured as a result of the fire. Fortunately they were following the proper procedures and wearing protective clothing, but even then Rocco and Nick suffered extensive burns.
Rocco and Nick are now enduring long term surgeries and therapies to help them recover. They are unable to work and in the meantime the burden of the non-medical expenses is overwhelming their young families.
Workman's compensation claims in situations like this typically take years to work out, and even then only cover medical expenses, lost wages and such. They also do not help the families with the additional travel and other expenses involved with the continuing surgeries and therapies.
A group of concerned and bighearted folks within the pyro community have taken action to help the young men. With no efforts expected by Rocco, Nick, and Tony or their immediately families, a trust account has been established for them with donations to be dispersed appropriately.
The Bartolotta Family Trust was created though the laudable actions of attorney Don Creadore of New York and Trustees Cameron Starr of All Star Fireworks, 75 S Harmon Drive, Mitchell, SD; Marvin Kohler of Marv Kohler Enterprises, 1739 South Ingalls, Grand Island, NE 68803; and Sam Wong of Mirage International Trading Co, Ltd USA, 731 Jackson St, San Francisco, CA 94133.
At the National Fireworks Association (NFA) Expo this past September, there was a series of appeals made to which members responded with generous donations. The Pyrotechnicians International (PI) has also contributed, as have a number of individuals and companies.
Anyone can contribute and everyone in the pyro community is especially encouraged to help. After all, there but for the Grace of God ....
Here are two links to the Milwaukee newspaper with more details.
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=532033
http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=531815
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
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