DoomBuggy Runner

If you follow my blog or know me, you know that for the past month I have been working with Southeastern Pyrotechnics on fireworks shows to earn my Pyrotechnics Operator certification.  This weekend I got in two more shoots, which completes my required six (6) intern shoots before I can take my certification exam.  I will be taking my certification exam on June 7th at the SC Fire Marshall’s Office in Columbia.

So the first shoot was at the Charleston Riverdogs game on Friday (May 24th).  We started setting up about 3 PM at Brittlebank Park.  The setup went well and we passed all of our fire department checks.  The fireworks show is sponsored by Piggly Wiggly, so we have a lanced Pig that TK (another pyro operator trainee) that goes on the field for the finale.  It turned out awesome!

Jeff, the owner, had mentioned in the shooter school last weekend, that I could electric fire the next show if I wanted.  Being the computer techie that I am, I was excited about this plan.  So on Friday, he asked me if I wanted to electric fire, with his guidance, and I gladly welcomed the opportunity! He coached me through planning the show, doing all the safety checks, arming the system, and making sure everything was ready for the show.  Below is my make-shift queue sheet of how I fired off the product during the show, and which box it was coming from.

When Jeff gave me the key to the launch control box, I now know what it feels like for the guy that carries the launch box for the POTUS.  I was able to start the show with a turn of the key and a flip of a switch.  What a rush it was!  I was able to see TK and Norcott (pyro team), who were doing the hand firing, and I would add it shots amongst their fires, then I was able to unleash the finale.  When it was all done, Jeff said it was a really good show for my first time.  I got a little excited on the finale, and launched a little too quickly, but other than that it went well!

Some friends from work and church were at the game.  Here is a link to the video of the show thanks to my friend Kate Grass!

On Saturday night (May 25th) we did the fireworks show for the Battery soccer game.  This was a much smaller show from Friday’s Riverdog game but just as exciting.  We did a lot more hand firing for this show, which generates a different kind of rush.  It was another great show.  I did not think to take pictures at this event; however, I had a few friends at this game who took video, which I will post when I get it.  TK, one of my pyro partners, decided to place his cell phone in video record mode between he and I on the ground during the shoot, and it came out amazing.  Have a look:

Well I am now off for a couple of weeks.  Our next shoot is on June 7th back at the Riverdogs game.  I take my certification exam that morning, so by the time this show happens, I may be able to take the Trainee portion off my current title of Pyrotechnics Operator Trainee.  Wish me luck!