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Cordell firefighter Jason Dudgeon demonstrates Western Technology Center’s driving simulator. Cordell fire department will be using the simulator to provide emergency response training to firefighters. Bob Henline | The Cordell Beacon
Cordell’s firefighters got a bit of high-tech training last week, when Western Technology Center came to town with their driving simulator.
The simulator, funded by a grant awarded from lottery dollars, allows firefighters, as well as police and ambulance personnel, to practice their highspeed driving responses without the risk of crashing or posing danger to the general public on the roads. The simulator unit, a large trailer, is equipped with a mock cockpit designed to imitate the front seat of a fire engine or ambulance and drive to an incident site. The program includes radio communication with dispatch, as well, allowing the operator to practice the full response procedure.
The system includes several different scenarios for training, including urban, suburban and rural driving conditions, various weather and road conditions, and differing levels of traffic - including deer on the roadway.
Cordell firefighter Jason Dudgeon, who demonstrated the simulator for The Beacon, said he was impressed with the new technology and the opportunities it created for training.
“We’re really looking forward to working with WTC to improve and enhance our training program this year,” he said. “In addition to the simulator and driving training, we’re currently doing an EMT class at the fire department through VoTech. We really appreciate all they have to offer to help us protect our community.”