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This is Work – Making the Boom



It wouldn’t be summer in the United States without picnics, fairs, outdoor shows and sports, and of course fireworks. Most notably, July 4th would not be an occasion without a show of fireworks. Of course, many other outdoor events have fireworks, yet as soon as I think about the fourth of July, and those couple weeks surrounding it, I think of fireworks.  Usually, I am having too much summer fun to think about the people who are making large booms and explosive colors into the darkness, yet someone has to do the job.

The job is serious, a Pyrotechnician, Fireworks Shooter/ Show Technician, or similar occupation job title is a skilled profession requiring some or extensive education and training depending on local regulation. In my area, fireworks are heavily monitored by the state government, yet I recognize this may not be the case in every area.  I decided to look into more detail about the job.  In my state, a person who is either launching or even just selling a firework, needs to have a license from the state. The application asks for applicants to document their employer, and related experience. They also have to submit photographs. Once an application is submitted a person can obtain a license to either become a Shooter or a merchant of the product.  This of course may be different in each area. Some places may have either greater or even less monitoring of firework products and the people involved with them.

I can say, I have personally never met anyone licensed to launch fireworks. My brain though wants to think more about the folks that do the work. When I am enjoying the colors on holidays or weekends, someone else is working, on a day or time, that most people are usually not working. Fireworks can be all-day event with set-up time, and working with local officials to ensure they meet compliance standards. Folks in this job need a ton of flexibility. Weather plays a huge part on if the show will happen or not.  Travel is a part of this job and workers need to be flexible and able to travel and transport the actual materials. Depending on the area, there may be educational requirements also. The job may not be a necessary occupation based on the Covid standards of recent past, yet the job is one many folks would say is something adding to the smiles and enjoyment of people each year.  #thisiswork

 ~Karen Cirincione

Email: kcirincione@gmail.com     

Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/karenjcirincione

X: @kcirincione 

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