Posted by
Billy email MADBillyD@aol.com on Monday, June 30, 2008 1:36:33 PM
Three years ago, Josh, then 13, suffered massive, life-threatening injuries when an illegal commercial-grade firework struck him as he swam in a Ralston pool over the Fourth of July weekend.
The injuries nearly killed him and changed his life forever. But Josh, 16, hasn't let it stop him from enjoying fireworks. He said he just uses them safely.
"I've lit them every year since then," he said. "I still go buy them, I light them off —just the legal ones."
Safe and legal, that's what officials wish for Nebraskans, who have seen more than their share of fireworks-related injuries in recent years. Injuries have increased since 1991, compared to a general downward trend nationally. And in 2006, Nebraska accounted for two out of the nation's 11 fireworks-related deaths. The Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office
(I love what the 4th of July is all about, but I do believe some people go to nuts over letting fireworks off. Read more of this story right here.)
