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Display Operator Course
The PGI Display Operator Course (DOC) is designed to meet the need for a general course on display operations and serves as the first step in becoming a PGI Certified Display Operator.

The course presents a comprehensive full day of instruction on current firework display practices. Both classroom training and live fire field training are included. A complete copy of the current PGI Display Operator Textbook is used during the class and is yours to keep as a valuable reference tool.

PGI’s Display Operator Course is revised regularly to remain consistent with the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) codes 1123 and 1124 pertaining to firework displays. The course is one of only two nationally available fireworks training programs recognized as compliant by the NFPA.

An online variant of this course is not offered due to the need for live fire field training.
Fire Enforcement Training
The PGI is pleased to offer, upon request and subject to the availability of instructors and funding, an 8-hour course on pyrotechnic device recognition, hazard mitigation, and NFPA code review. This course consists of classroom instruction and Q&A for fire marshals and fire enforcement personnel.

Course Goals
  • Understand pyrotechnics from a pyrotechnician's perspective
  • Better assess competency of pyrotechnic operators
  • Better assess safety and appropriateness of equipment and display set-up
  • Improve safety (own and others) through knowledge of device characteristics, performance and hazards
Course Schedule
  • 3 Modules on pyrotechnic characteristics, setup, and hazards
  • 3 modules on NFPA code
  • 1 module on pyrotechnic related incidents
The course is open to certified fire personnel, with maximum attendance contingent on hosted venue.
Bomb Squad & Law Enforcement Training
The PGI is pleased to offer, upon request and subject to the availability of instructors and funding, an 8-hour course on pyrotechnic device recognition and hazard mitigation. This course consists of both classroom instruction and field exercises for certified law enforcement agencies.

The course was developed by Dr. John Steinberg, co-lead instructor, and Tom Handel, co-lead instructor, during their tenure as civilian contractor instructors for the ATF and has since been taught for the NYPD Bomb Squad, NJ State Police Bomb Squad, and numerous others across the country.

The course was predicated upon the request from ATF for assistance in dealing with pyrotechnic devices, legal and homemade that cause a disproportionate percentage of injuries to law enforcement personnel unfamiliar with their behavior and risks.

The goal of the course is to provide information which will enable enforcement personnel to:
  • Better assess competency of pyrotechnic operators
  • Better assess safety and appropriateness of equipment
  • Improve safety through knowledge of device characteristics, performance and hazards
  • Understand “best practices” for safe, effective, and efficient elimination of small quantities of pyrotechnic devices
  • Improve understanding of high explosives chemistry, hazards, and mitigation
Course schedule:
  • 3-4 hour classroom session
  • 3 hour hands on live fire in the range
The local host must supply:
  • Firing system
  • Blasting caps
  • Det cord, preferably either/both 50 grain and 90 or 100 grain
  • Blasting agent (ANFO or equivalent such as kine-stix)
  • Boosters, pentolite, 90-125 gram range
PGI supplies:
  • All pyrotechnic devices, shells, mortars, racks, etc.
The course has a maximum attendance capacity of 24 and open to all law enforcement jurisdictions: state, local, federal.
Articles Pyrotechnic Training (Online)
This class was developed based on the overwhelming need for a standardized training curriculum for these devices, as no such class currently exists.
Students who attend the class and pass the examination will receive a certificate of attendance. The online class typically is about 2-hours from start to finish.

The course will cover:
  • Types of Professional Use Only devices
  • Selecting appropriate sites to use Professional Use Only devices
  • Setting up Professional Use Only devices
  • Firing methods
  • Shooting precautions
  • Safety precautions
  • Storage
  • Transportation
Articles Pyrotechnic Training (In-Person)
This class was developed based on the overwhelming need for a standardized training curriculum for these devices, as no such class currently exists.
Students who attend the class and pass the examination will receive a certificate of attendance. The class typically runs for about 4 hours.

The course will cover:
  • Types of Professional Use Only devices
  • Selecting appropriate sites to use Professional Use Only devices
  • Setting up Professional Use Only devices
  • Firing methods
  • Shooting precautions
  • Safety precautions
  • Storage
  • Transportation
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