Every year on the 4th of July there is a spectacular fireworks display in my hometown. And every year I watch the crew set up the display and wonder, “Where do these guys learn how to do fireworks? Is there a school where they learn to do this? Do they need a license? Are they nuts to be standing so close that huge array of explosives?”
Now all of these questions and more will finally be answered by Mike Tockstein of Pyrotechnic Innovations. Mike has been making crowds say, “Ooooh!” and “Aaaah!” for years, in addition to providing information through his website about careers and training in the field of pyrotechnics for those few brave souls who like to make things go BOOM!
We all love fireworks, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s wondered what it’s like to work with them. So is it just as simple as making things go “BOOM”? Or is there just a bit more to the cool job of Pyrotechnician? Let’s find out:
When people ask you “what do you do?” how do you describe your job?
I supervise the setup and discharge of public fireworks displays. I am responsible for training/recruiting my crew, knowing all applicable federal, state, and local laws, and most importantly ensuring the safety of my crew and the public.
What are the things about your job that you love?
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MY COOL JOB 