Meet our instructors

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Steve Kukowski

Steve Kukowski

Instructor

Military/Law Enforcement Background:

35 years with the Minot Police Department with over 20 years as a supervisor in the Detective Division and retired at the rank of Captain. 10 years as the Sheriff of Ward County.

Prior Training and Experience:
  • Graduate of FBI National Academy and Northwestern Staff and Command
  • Associate and Bachelor of Science Degrees from Minot State University
  • Licensed Firearms Instructor through State of North Dakota since 1974
  • Competitive Shooter since 1974 with the following awards:
    • Grand Master ShooterGrand Master Shooter
    • Made the President’s 100 Club which recognizes the top 100 shooter in the United States
    • Holds Master Card in Bullseye Shooting and Master rating in the US Practical Shooting Association
    • Only North Dakota member of the 1490 Club. (attained through competitive shooting in which the shooter had to score at least 1490 out of a possible 1500 points. Course was from 50 yards and included left and right-hand shooting and shooting from the sitting and prone positions
    • Won the Governor’s Top 20 15 times. (Top 20 shooters in ND Law Enforcement)
Classes taught at Spartan Firearms:

Choosing the Right Handgun, Concealed Carry, Kids Intro To Firearms & Gun Safety, Handgun Maintenance, and Enhanced Shooting Skills

Jonathan Hughes “Huggie”

Jonathan Hughes “Huggie”

Instructor

Military/Law Enforcement Background:

Over 20 years USAF as Security Police, both Law Enforcement and Security Operations. Over 18 years Burdick Job Corps Manager of Safety/Security. 1 year Safety Director for a construction company. 18 years Trinity Hospital Security Manager.

Prior Training and Experience:
  • Certified as ND Hunters Education Instructor won Instructor of the year and team leader/team of the year for state
  • Training people on guns, personal protection and safety since 1970s.
  • Numerous OSHA Courses
  • Instructor for Safety Officers at DOL National Training
  • Training for Trinity Employees NFPA, OSHA, CMS, personal protection and security Operations
Classes taught at Spartan Firearms:

Basic Handgun, Individual 1 on 1 trainings, Kids Intro to Firearms & Gun Safety, Enhanced Shooting Skills, Defensive Handgun, Handgun Maintenance, and Low Light Tactics

Scot Redding

Scot Redding

Instructor

Military/Law Enforcement Background:

30 years in the Minot Police Department and over 26 years in the ND Army National Guard.

Prior Training and Experience:
  • 14 years on SWAT Team (as an instructor in several capacities)
  • 11 years as sniper on SWAT
  • 23 years as a weapons instructor (State Certified)
  • 21 years as a military rangemaster and weapons instructor
  • 7 years as a Military MOUT (Military Ops in Urban Terrain) Instructor
  • 21 years as an armorer in the law enforcement world
Classes taught at Spartan Firearms:

Individual 1 on 1 trainings and Concealed Carry Classes. “I am passionate about safety and personal security.”

Steve Whitesell

Steve Whitesell

Instructor

Military/Law Enforcement Background:

30 years with the Minot Police Department and retired at the rank of Captain, with the majority of his time spent in the Patrol Division. 23 years of active duty and reserve service with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations.

Prior Training and Experience:
  • ND POST certified Firearms Instructor since 1995
  • Current Firearms Instructor License in North Dakota
  • Peace Officer License with ND State Law Enforcement Organization
Classes taught at Spartan Firearms:

Concealed Carry

Mike Nason

Mike Nason

Instructor

Military/Law Enforcement Background:

4 years as a Correctional Supervisor with Ward County Sheriff’s Department, 5 years as a Police Officer with Bismarck Police Department, 1 year as a detective with Bismarck Police Department, 14 years as Special Agent III with North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, 12 years as a professor for Minot State University and United Tribes Technical College, 4 years as a Probation/Parole Office II with North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and 6 years as an Administrative Captain with the Ward County Sheriff’s Department.

Prior Training and Experience:
  • Bachelors and master’s degree in criminal justice through Minot State University
  • Licensed Firearms Instructor through State of North Dakota
Classes taught at Spartan Firearms:

Concealed Carry