PSO’s F1RST Rubble Pile Advances Law Enforcement Capabilities
Disasters, whether natural or man-made, can have devastating consequences without planning. Pasco Sheriff’s Office prepares for our area’s unique challenges through innovative training at our F1RST Rubble Piles. These structures expand PSO’s disaster response capabilities in numerous ways so we can protect our citizens even in critical situations.
Florida’s Forensic Institute for Research, Security and Tactics (or F1RST) combines academia, law enforcement and private sector expertise to provide training in forensics, tactics, K9, intelligence, cybersecurity and leadership. F1RST, led by PSO, is home to multiple research facilities, including two FEMA-certified rubble piles. These rubble piles simulate terror threats, natural disasters, building collapse, and urban search and rescue missions for both human remains and human “live finds.”
Both rubble piles are located on the F1RST campus and replicate disaster scenarios. Rubble Pile 1 resembles a collapsed parking garage, complete with a simulated elevator shaft, crushed cars beneath the rubble and even a wrecked helicopter. Rubble Pile 2 features structured rubble, with crushed cars and a school bus. This structure offers advanced training for Human Remains Detection (K9), Urban Search and Rescue (USAR), and tactical technical rescue. First responders training on these disaster piles can also learn to work in confined spaces, use ropes, and employ lasers for K9 directional training. By immersing first responders in realistic hazards, these training grounds provide invaluable experience in navigating complex disaster scenarios.
Various PSO units train at the rubble pile, including new deputies, K9s, SWAT, the Unmanned Systems Team and Aviation pilots. Deputies completing New Member Orientation train at the rubble pile for a confidence course day, where they use their knowledge, skills, and teamwork for a simulated rescue mission. The rubble pile also boosts the confidence of our four-legged heroes, our K9s! Training on this structure helps PSO K9s feel comfortable searching away from their handler and on uneven footing, preparing them to respond to similar hazards in the field. For our Aviation Unit, the simulated disaster environment is a chance to practice searching for people from above, hover practice and hoisting from the Huey. Similarly, SWAT uses this structure to enhance its response capabilities while navigating through rubble and will even combine its efforts with aviation to deploy from the helicopter onto the rubble pile.
PSO is proud to open this cutting-edge facility and its incredible learning opportunities to other organizations. Hundreds of first responders nationwide have already trained at our rubble piles, including several fire rescue departments, FEMA task forces, paramedics, and the U.S. Coast Guard for inland rescue training. When disaster strikes, it takes a united effort from multiple agencies to aid those in need. At PSO, we firmly believe that we can achieve the greatest impact by working together, embodying our motto, “We Fight As One.” By opening up our rubble piles to other agencies, PSO is bolstering our partnerships and honing life-saving skills, ultimately enhancing citizens’ safety in various regions.
Contemporary problems require contemporary solutions. PSO’s F1RST rubble pile not only addresses the threats we see today but also empowers us with the confidence and capability to prepare for any natural disasters that may come our way. PSO is proud to provide a cutting-edge tool to further our knowledge and methods for creating safer communities. Additional information about PSO’s rubble piles, as well as F1RST, can be found at FloridasFirst.org.
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