6/19/14 - The Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority welcomed members of the public to the HERO Center last night to show off its new incident management simulation lab. The fire authority began building the lab in March, and it includes communication equipment, coordinating computers, iPads, and physical apparatus designed to help train firefighters how to effectively manage major fire operations. The setup can simulate a number of different scenarios in a variety of structures ranging from single-family residences to large commercial buildings. The goal of the lab is to make sure firefighters have retained and can apply the lessons they learned about incident command from the 50-hour course they took on that subject. So far, about 48 firefighters have gotten the training from the Hartland facility, allowing them to forego travel expenses to reach another training operation. The department has invested about $80,000 in the training system, and a federal grant contributed another $65,000. Chief Adam Carroll tells WHMI the GM proving grounds in Milford also contributed the cab of a truck for more realistic simulation. The certification lab is one of only two or three operating in the state, and since firefighters need to get regularly recertified, Carroll expects significant savings for all local departments as a result of the lab. (TD)
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