IDNR Explosives Safety, Recognition and Handling Course
Notice
- This event meets the criteria for specific mandated training
- Non members please click here to contact us to request access to online registrations.
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Date: Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Registration Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2026
Class Time(s): 6/16/2026: 8:00 AM -- 4:00 PM
Registration Deadline: Monday, June 15, 2026
Class Time(s): 6/16/2026: 8:00 AM -- 4:00 PM
Instructor Location:
Morris Police Department
Instructor: The instructor for this class is Nick Sterling who currently is a Specialist/Inspector/Investigator for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, OMM-Explosives and Agg. Division. Mr. Sterling�s current territory includes Cook, Lake, McHenry, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Grundy, and Will Counties. Sterling has been with the Department for four years and inspects/investigates all explosive storage facilities (Law enforcement and Non-Law Enforcement), explosives accidents, explosives incidents, and performs random checks/investigations on both licensed and unlicensed individuals. Sterling has 18 years of high explosives experience and teaches the IL Individual Explosives License Class on a regular basis. Over the past few years Mr. Sterling has noticed a lack of education when law enforcement agencies are dealing with explosives related issues, and hopes to help prevent these issues in the future through education and assistance.Morris Police Department
200 East Chapin Street
Morris, IL 60450
Driving Directions
Morris, IL 60450
Member's Fee: $0
Non-Member & Civilian Fee: $0
This class is being provided by the IDNR to help educate law enforcement and to provide direct assistance, on scene, when dealing with explosive situations. The IDNR regulates / investigates high and low explosives including 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, and 1.5. Too many times law enforcement does not have the education to know how to identify an explosive and/or if a bomb squad needs to be called. Bomb Squads, Explosives Breaching SWAT Teams, and BOMB Dog Handlers already possess the IL Individual Explosives License. The IDNR must be notified immediately upon any recovery of a regulated explosive and/or device to pursue the information necessary for enforcement.
If the Officer and their respective department so desire; after completing the class and passing the exam they can receive an IL IDNR Individual Explosives License, to be used in association with their law enforcement duties. A random monthly bank of test questions will be administered at the end of the class which will consist of 50 questions that will be multiple choice and/or True-False. Each officer receiving the license will fill out an application and must pass the test with an 80% or higher. Officers who do not pass the test will be provided an opportunity to retest in the near future.
- Licensing is recommended but not required to attend.
Key topical areas to be addressed include the following:
• Illinois Explosives Act
• Explosive Storage Requirements-Law Enforcement and Non-Law Enforcement
• Explosives Safety/Recognition/Handling (m-devices, homemade sticks, etc.)
• Fireworks- 1.3G low explosives (professional fireworks) vs 1.4 low explosives
• Enforcement of 1.3G vs. 1.4 and their requirements
* Members receive priority registration
*Funded in partnership with ILETSB This training covers the following mandates:
- Legal Updates - 3.5 hours
- Procedural Justice - 2 hours
