New VR training center in Colo. available to any department for free

By Amanda Spence

BOULDER, Colo. — Virtual reality training is getting a major upgrade for first responders with a brand-new training center now open in Boulder, Colorado.

The new center, which is a joint venture with FirstNet Authority and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), involves virtual reality along with real sets, props and obstacles, ABC Action News reports.

Scott Ledgerwood, who works in the public safety communication research division at NIST, assisted in the launch of the training center. Ledgerwood told ABC Action News that he hopes the center increases situational awareness, lowers response times and improves public safety.

The training covers numerous incidents, such as active shooter scenarios to extreme weather response, and the center is available to any department free of charge.

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