City Gathers to Remember Victims of Kleen Energy Blast

Dozens gathered Tuesday at Council Chambers to mark the two-year anniversary of the power plant explosion and remember the six men who died.

The mood of the room was somber as city dignitaries, police and fire personnel, union members and city workers filled the seats and stood along one wall.

"This is a celebration of their lives," said Councilman Todd Berch, "these men tragically taken from us. I'd like us all to leave today thinking of that. Today our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the victims," Berch said, adding, "though your loved ones are gone, they are never to be forgotten."

The blast took place on Feb. 7, 2010, at 11:17 a.m. during a weekend gas-line test at the plant that had been under construction since February 2008 and due to open in June 2010.

Edward Reilly, president of the , spoke for ALF-CIO union workers, "across the state of Connecticut. When you see power houses, roads, bridges and buildings, these are built by our brothers and sisters in the building trades. These people are part of your community who toil and work very hard every day to make a better Connecticut."

Berch hosted the 10-minute ceremony, followed by statements from Michael Rosario, business agent of ; Reilly and Mayor Dan Drew, followed by a moment of silence.

Noting that the blast took place on Super Bowl Sunday, Drew said a country that lauds actors and athletes should also remember its "unsung heros."

"It's the people who wake up and go to work every single day who are the real heroes, that make the difference to all of us, that do the work that keeps this country going and it's that unrecognized heroism that is the backbone of this country," Drew said.

Six men working inside that morning lost their lives: Ronald J. Crabb, 42, of Colchester; Peter Chepulis of Thomaston; Roy Rushton of Hamilton, Ontario; Chris Walters of Florissant, Mo.; Raymond Dobratz, 58, of Old Saybrook; and Kenneth Haskell, 37, of New Durham, N.H. Fifty others were injured.

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