Radio raises funds for plant victim

Wallingford, Conn. (WTNH) - A Wallingford man who lost a friend in the Kleen Energy power plant explosion is sharing his thoughts tonight.

Five men were killed , and at least 12 injured, after the Middletown-based power plant exploded around 11:30 a.m., Sunday.

As the chaotic scene unraveled, talk of the explosion was constant on the radio airwaves. And it was on the radio that Wallingford's Brian Freeman heard a familiar name.

"Another person I was speaking with said, do you know Chris [Walters] worked up there? And we kind of thought he was involved in it," said Freeman

Freeman is part of an Amateur Radio Group called "SPARC" -- Shore Point Amateur Radio Club . So too, was Chris Walters of Missouri. Walters was a safety supervisor at Kleen Energy when the explosion shook many homes including Freeman's.

"I was sitting in [my] chair and we heard this thud, like a car or truck hit our house. I really couldn't see any damage to the house; [I] went out and looked around," Freeman said.

Hours later, Freeman learned that Walters was killed in the tragedy. Sorting through pictures of his radio colleague, it's tough to find a shot where Walters wasn't smiling.

"I was looking through some pictures earlier, today, when I was trying to find something to send to you guys and I saw a picture of Chris. He had a shirt that said 'Volunteer' on the back and I thought that was the perfect word to describe him when I saw that shirt," said Freeman.

Freeman said Walter's zest for life included a passion for radio. So, Freeman alongside SPARC is broadcasting a new message; one of remembrance for a friend while at the same time taking care of a friend's family by raising money.

"Send his family whatever we can, to help out. He does have three children and a wife to support. He's just trying to support his family, he works all over the country; they are going to miss him very much," said Freeman.

And for information on how you can help the victims' families, click here .