Bruce Brzeczkowski, Brandon Brzeczkowski, and Tammy Brzeczkowski in Oconto County, November 4, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
OCONTO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — More than a year after a bonfire explosion in Shawano County injured about a dozen people at a town of Maple Grove residence, one family is talking about their recovery.
Brandon Brzeczkowski says getting better includes returning to work and getting outdoors.
“We got two stands. They’ve been up there for a couple years now for sure. Something to sit on, and just watch the deer come in, and hopefully maybe get one,” Brzeczkowski said.
Brzeczkowski says he’s always loved the outdoors. From hunting white-tailed deer — “I got one with a crossbow probably four years ago. And that was a nine-pointer, and that was my first deer” — to angling in the wintertime through frozen surfaces at places like nearby Shawano Lake.
“I’m a lot more into ice fishing than just open water fishing. It’s just a hobby. I don’t know why. I’m going to see how the cold is this year, because that was another thing that they were saying, that you could not like the wind, how cold it’s going to get. But I’m just going to dress warm and prepare for it, and that’s what I’m going to do. It ain’t going to stop me,” he said.
Brzeczkowski and about a dozen others were injured on Oct. 14, 2022, after a 55-gallon drum partially filled with diesel fuel was put on a bonfire and exploded.
“Everyone that was there, that witnessed it, is a part of it. They saw something they ain’t never going to forget either. And it sucks for everyone, so it’s not just us, but the mentally part of it is huge too,” he said.
Brandon says a daily work routine and being outside help him recover. His father, Bruce, says it’s been a tough year.
“When is this healing going to end? It just seemed like it never stopped. But it did. And he’s doing real well and we’re thankful for that, and to get back to our life,” he said.
Brandon’s mother, Tammy, says she still worries about her son.
“All the time. Oh my gosh, I don’t think that ever stops when you’re a mom. I don’t think it’s going to matter how old they are, you always worry about them. Always,” she said.
She says she’s proud of her son.
“Very proud. He’s come a long way, and the things that he’s gone through. I am proud. Very proud,” she said.
Brandon says there may be more surgeries in his future, but he says he feels better, and is ready for the season.
“For sure. I’ll be out for gun hunting. Absolutely. Hopefully I’ll get maybe my first one with a gun. That would be nice,” he said.
Brandon says he saw one doe on opening weekend.
He says he plans to be golfing again, and is also working on his bowling game.
Comments