WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A firefighter who lost his eye lighting fireworks during last year’s Fourth of July celebration is warning others about fireworks safety.
“You don’t know and don’t realize how serious it can be until it happens to you,” West Lafayette firefighter Curtis Shidler told WLFI. “I wish I’d been paying more attention.”
Shidler accidentally put a firework inside a tube that was already loaded with a firework. The firework hit him in the face.
Using his knowledge as an EMT, he was able to guide his friend to help control the injuries.
After several surgeries, Shidler lost one of his eyes.
He has, however, been able to keep his job as a firefighter. Luckily, with some good-natured ribbing from his crew, Shidler is adjusting to his one eye.
And, this year, he will not be lighting any fireworks.
He’s hoping others will see his story and take extra precaution when lighting fireworks this year.