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I am the Chief of the Explosives and Safety Section with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Mining Programs. I am also an instructor for the National Technical Training Program administered by the Office of Surface Mining, Reclamation, and Enforcement, US Department of the Interior. I have been involved in the blasting and explosives industry in some capacity for 29 years, both as an industry professional out in the field and, most recently, as a regulatory official. I first began an apprenticeship as a blaster trainee in 1996 after which I obtained my PA General Blasting license at only 19 years old, the youngest age allowed at that time.

 

As a blaster, I have worked in the fields of construction blasting, surface coal mining, oil and gas well blasting, industrial mineral surface mining, and I have had some experience in demolition work and other explosives applications.

 

As a licensed user of explosives, I have also worked as a special effects coordinator and technician in the film industry, having had my work appear both on television and in theatrical releases. My work has included close proximity pyrotechnics and mechanical rigging for live stage performances and dozens of professional fireworks displays for everything from weddings to large community events.

 

I hold an Associate of Science degree in Geospatial Science and Technology, and I am working on completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Geoscience. I am the father of four amazing little boys and the husband of a beautiful wife I have known most of my life.​