July 4 Burn Victim Now Closer to Home

A Moorpark pyrotechnics worker severely injured in a July 4 fireworks explosion in Arizona has been transferred to the Grossman Burn Center at Sherman Oaks Hospital.

“It feels a lot better,” Jeff Frazier said in an interview. “I can see [my family] now--it’s not like once a week or whatever.”

Frazier, 36, suffered second- and third-degree burns over 60% of his body when stacks of fireworks he and several co-workers were unloading exploded hours before a holiday fireworks show in Peoria, Ariz., about 12 miles outside Phoenix.

Frazier said he doesn’t remember much about the accident, which killed Frazier’s former fiancee, Michelle Galanda, 36, also of Moorpark, and injured four others.

“All I remember is a bomb went off by itself and then that’s it,” he said. “I ran and got out of the way.”

During the past month, Frazier’s family made frequent trips to visit him, thanks largely to a fund established by a local bank to help cover travel expenses.

Frazier’s mother, Edie Frazier, who works for the Moorpark Chamber of Commerce, said she is thrilled to have her son closer to home.

“He’s got a great room,” she said. “He’s going to get good care there. I’m not going to miss that Phoenix heat either.”

She said she is amazed at how high her son’s spirits have remained throughout the ordeal, which he credits to the support of loved ones.

Frazier has returned home in time to celebrate his 37th birthday this weekend. “I’m just glad to be here,” he said.