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August 7, 2009
For Immediate Release
For more information:
Jolene Nuttall
(801) 863-7710
The Utah Fire & Rescue Academy, housed by Utah Valley University, has something big to boast about. Its state-of-the-art mobile emergency simulator, known as the Mobile Command Training Center (MCTC), is one of a kind in the Western United States, with the ability to carry hands-on training right to rural departments’ doorsteps across the state. The 53-foot trailer will be unveiled in a ribbon-cutting Thursday, Aug. 13.
"The mission of the Command Training Center (CTC) is to increase first responder safety during emergency incidents," said Hugh Connor, director of the Institute of Emergency Services and Homeland Security. "This is done by providing realistic training at the fixed facility at the Utah Fire & Rescue Academy. Now this same valuable training can be delivered to rural Utah utilizing the Mobile Command Training Center."
The mobile simulator is designed to provide fire service company officers and chief officers the skills necessary to handle a wide variety of emergency situations. Each computer-based simulation creates an intense and realistic training environment. The incident commanders will experience commanding fire engines, trucks, ambulances and other responding units while achieving a successful outcome in a structure fire.
"The Mobile Command Training Center is designed as a practice facility where we apply principles of risk management, decisions of strategy and appropriation of resources in a safe but realistic environment," said Brad Wardle, fire chief of the West Jordan Fire Department. "Officers leave with a foundation in the basics of command, confident in their abilities after having practiced and developed incident command skills with their peers."
The ribbon-cutting will take place 2:30 p.m. Thursday at 3131 Mike Jense Parkway in Provo. Attending will be UVU President Matthew S. Holland, Vice President for Academic Affairs Liz Hitch, College of Technology & Computing Dean Ernie Carey, Fire Marshal Ron Morris, State Fire Chief’s Chair Brad Wardle and others.
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University Marketing Contact:
Erin Spurgeon
(801) 863-6807