The state House of Representatives observed a moment of silence today for the six people who died in the February 7 Kleen Energy power plant blast in Middletown.
“It was an explosion that was heard around the world,” said Rep. Joseph Serra, D-Middletown.
Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-Old Saybrook, singled out Raymond Dobratz, a pipe fitter from her hometown who died in the blast, while Rep. Linda Orange, D-Colchester, spoke about Ronald Crabb, a personal friend. Crabb, of Colchester, was also a pipe fitter.
Also killed in the blast were Peter Chepulis, of Thomaston; Chris Walter, of Florissant, Mo., and Roy Rushton, of Hamilton, Ontario. Peter Haskell, of New Durham, N.H., died of injuries from the explosion.
Firefighters from South Fire District in Middletown were also honored during the House session. The firefighters were first responders to the blast, and Rep. James O’Rourke III, D-Cromwell, said the state was lucky that a well-trained, professional fire department dealt with the devestating situation.
“It takes a lot of bravery to go into a scene like that not knowing what’s going to come next,” O’Rourke said.
The tragic Kleen Energy blast brought the issue of work place safety to the forefront, noted Rep. Matthew Lesser, D-Middletown.