Colorado Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator Safety Course
Presented by the Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild (RMPG)
Saturday, March 28, 2026 9:00AM -
March 28 5:00PM
By The Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild (RMPG) • [email protected]
By The Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild (RMPG) • [email protected]
Location:
City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center
25950 E. Quincy AveRoom 213
Aurora, Colorado 80016
USA
DATE: Saturday, March 28, 2026
TIME: 9 am to 5 pm
PLACE: City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center - Room 213 Located at 25950 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO, 80016
FEE: $150.00/person, plus Multipass fees
LUNCH: INCLUDED
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Anyone who is interested in working with pyrotechnics and flame effects before a proximate audience or who needs a safety course for a Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator License (required in Colorado); persons in regulatory capacities; and those interested in expanding their hobby fireworks knowledge. This class is based predominantly on NFPA-1126 2021 / NFPA-160 2021 and may be applicable to multiple state certifications outside Colorado.
Registrants must be 18 years of age in order to either receive the safety certification or participate in the hands on practical portion of the class. Minors shall be permitted to attend this course in conjunction with a participating adult.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS: Steve Maruska, Byron Nelson, and Nick Rinaldo are all Board Members of The Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild (RMPG). Steve Maruska and Nick Rinaldo are both volunteers for the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) as Certified Instructors for the Display Operator Certification Course. Byron Nelson, Safety Director of RMPG, shall provide input and assistance based on his decades of experience.
RMPG: Is a 501c3 non-profit club incorporated in the State of Colorado for the purpose of encouraging the safe and artistic use of fireworks through education and shared expertise.
WHAT THE STUDENTS RECEIVE: Each participant will receive: classroom style lecture, written testing for safety certification, field instruction, live fire demonstrations, and hands-on field experience accompanied by a certificate verifying attendance at the safety course. A basic cold lunch of deli meat sandwiches and chips, and assorted beverages will be provided to attendees. Apologies as we can’t accommodate all dietary restrictions.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSING: The Colorado State Licensing process requires an application form (available via the state website), safety course (this RMPG course qualifies), passing an exam on the NFPA 1126 - 2021 edition, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check, proof of residency, and a state fee. Note: the state application form requires proof of assisting in 5 fireworks pyrotechnics productions (1 as the lead operator under supervision). Greater details will be explained during the class.
WHAT THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING: Each participant must bring safety glasses, a head protection, hearing protection, and wear cotton clothing with long sleeves and long pants (turnout gear is acceptable). Flame retardant layers and boots are recommended for the outdoor portion of the class. Cold, wet, windy weather and/or muddy ground is a possibility, so be prepared. I highly recommend a pen, pencil, and paper for taking notes. A water bottle is also recommended and anything else you feel you might need to be comfortable.
Registration forms are located on the RMPG web site please follow the instruction as listed on the class flyer. If you are trying to pay for more than one person or for someone other than yourself, please ensure you complete individual registration and waiver forms for each person attending. Forms and be sent directly to [email protected]
Questions about the course and/or registration: contact Nick Rinaldo via the RMPG website
TIME: 9 am to 5 pm
PLACE: City of Aurora Public Safety Training Center - Room 213 Located at 25950 E. Quincy Ave, Aurora, CO, 80016
FEE: $150.00/person, plus Multipass fees
LUNCH: INCLUDED
WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Anyone who is interested in working with pyrotechnics and flame effects before a proximate audience or who needs a safety course for a Fireworks Pyrotechnic Operator License (required in Colorado); persons in regulatory capacities; and those interested in expanding their hobby fireworks knowledge. This class is based predominantly on NFPA-1126 2021 / NFPA-160 2021 and may be applicable to multiple state certifications outside Colorado.
Registrants must be 18 years of age in order to either receive the safety certification or participate in the hands on practical portion of the class. Minors shall be permitted to attend this course in conjunction with a participating adult.
ABOUT THE TEACHERS: Steve Maruska, Byron Nelson, and Nick Rinaldo are all Board Members of The Rocky Mountain Pyrotechnics Guild (RMPG). Steve Maruska and Nick Rinaldo are both volunteers for the Pyrotechnics Guild International (PGI) as Certified Instructors for the Display Operator Certification Course. Byron Nelson, Safety Director of RMPG, shall provide input and assistance based on his decades of experience.
RMPG: Is a 501c3 non-profit club incorporated in the State of Colorado for the purpose of encouraging the safe and artistic use of fireworks through education and shared expertise.
WHAT THE STUDENTS RECEIVE: Each participant will receive: classroom style lecture, written testing for safety certification, field instruction, live fire demonstrations, and hands-on field experience accompanied by a certificate verifying attendance at the safety course. A basic cold lunch of deli meat sandwiches and chips, and assorted beverages will be provided to attendees. Apologies as we can’t accommodate all dietary restrictions.
CERTIFICATION/LICENSING: The Colorado State Licensing process requires an application form (available via the state website), safety course (this RMPG course qualifies), passing an exam on the NFPA 1126 - 2021 edition, Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) background check, proof of residency, and a state fee. Note: the state application form requires proof of assisting in 5 fireworks pyrotechnics productions (1 as the lead operator under supervision). Greater details will be explained during the class.
WHAT THE STUDENT SHOULD BRING: Each participant must bring safety glasses, a head protection, hearing protection, and wear cotton clothing with long sleeves and long pants (turnout gear is acceptable). Flame retardant layers and boots are recommended for the outdoor portion of the class. Cold, wet, windy weather and/or muddy ground is a possibility, so be prepared. I highly recommend a pen, pencil, and paper for taking notes. A water bottle is also recommended and anything else you feel you might need to be comfortable.
Registration forms are located on the RMPG web site please follow the instruction as listed on the class flyer. If you are trying to pay for more than one person or for someone other than yourself, please ensure you complete individual registration and waiver forms for each person attending. Forms and be sent directly to [email protected]
Questions about the course and/or registration: contact Nick Rinaldo via the RMPG website