Law enforcement officers are often faced with life and death decisions that must be made in the blink of an eye. To help train officers to be better prepared for such fluid and complex circumstances video firearm training simulators were developed.

Typically reserved for use by law-enforcement, Grand County’s local civilian population will get an opportunity to experience the training simulator when the Grand County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) and police departments within the county come together for two Community Night events scheduled for Jan. 13 and 14. The events will be held at the Granby Police Department from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the 13 and 14.

County residents will get an opportunity to try out the simulator and experience how law enforcement officers train.

“The Firearms Training Simulator presents a fun, but extremely valuable, training experience that depicts real life situations,: according the press release from GCSO.

“Various scenarios are projected onto a life sized screen and the simulator will present the split second decision making situations officers face I armed encounters. The weapons used to interact with the simulator are light activated and no live weapons or ammunition are used.” No fireamrs experience is necessary to participate.

The simulator that will be used for the events was purchased using grant funding from the Colorado Peace Officer Standards Training Board (POST). It was purchased for the northwest region of the state but resides primarily in Grand County.

Hosting next week Community Night events will be Granby Police Chief Bill Housley, Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin, Kremmling Police Chief Scott Spade and Fraser/Winter Park Police Chief Glen Trainor.

All members of the community are invited to come and experience the simulator.