Fred Perkins Oral History Interview

Fred Perkins discusses his career at Thiokol in Brigham City, Utah, which began in 1985. He describes his work as a "hardcore analyst" on rocket pieces and accident investigations, including the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster, which significantly impacted him. Perkins also reflects on the challenges and moral dilemmas of working on government contracts for warheads. He shares his positive experiences living in a small town, appreciating the familiarity, lack of crowds, and opportunities for community involvement through overlapping social circles. Although retired, he continues to contribute to the community by writing a human interest column for the local paper, using it as a platform to encourage diverse thought. He reflects on the changes he's observed in both Thiokol (now more diverse and corporatized) and Brigham City (growing and gradually mainstreaming), acknowledging both the benefits and costs of small-town life.