KISSIMMEE, Fla. – Inside a mobile red trailer in Kissimmee is a new driving simulator to help train firefighters and paramedics.
“The beauty of this is not just an asset for the Kissimmee Fire Department it’s an asset for the City of Kissimmee,” explained Fire Deputy Joe Leone.
Leone said the department has had the simulator since the beginning of the year and firefighters have trained on it over the last several months.
The program offers all sorts of scenarios that can happen on the road, like heavy traffic and severe weather.
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“I can make this an ambulance. I can make this a fire engine. So we have several scenarios,” he explained.
With hurricane season already underway, Leone explained how the simulator plays a part in preparedness.
“What we gather from is that it’s better to have an accident in here than out there. This is here to prepare you for the reality you’re going to face,” Leone said.
Lieutenant Luis Pena was on the “hot seat” and drove the simulator through a storm scenario.
Pena said the program definitely comes in handy despite having years of experience driving a fire engine.
“I think every fire department is getting like you said a younger generation of kids that maybe haven’t driven a vehicle of this size and this weight before. This at least gives them a little bit of advantage where they can get seat time and a little bit of experience,” Pena said.
Leone said the simulator program will be a requirement for all Kissimmee Firefighters whether they’ve been in the department or joining.
He also mentioned the department is hoping to share the simulator with other Central Florida agencies.
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