LEESBURG, Va. 鈥� One part of the area that’s awaiting Metro service wants to make sure its rescuers are ready once trains start running.
On Wednesday, leaders unveiled the Loudoun County Metrorail Training Simulator on the grounds of the fire and rescue training academy in Leesburg. The simulator features two retired Metro rail cars, tracks and a third rail.
Metro鈥檚 Silver Line extension is set to open in Loudoun County in 2020, posing a challenge to rescuers. 鈥淔or us it is something new,鈥� said County Battalion Chief Roger Martin. 鈥淚t鈥檚 not your typical house fire; it鈥檚 not your typical running illnesses or EMS calls or even auto accidents.鈥�
During a demonstration, a county rescue crew showed how it would establish communication with Metro鈥檚 command center and test to make sure the third rail is deactivated before moving onto the tracks to put out a fire.
Crews also showed off new specialized equipment, including powerful hydraulic jacks capable of lifting the massive rail cars.
鈥淲e have our own police department … but we don鈥檛 have our own fire department,鈥� said Metro Transit Police Chief Ronald Pavlik. 鈥淪o we rely so much on the first responders to handle those medical emergencies and those fires and smoke incidents.鈥�
Loudoun County board of supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall said, 鈥淚f I鈥檓 a young mother, if I鈥檓 anybody, if I鈥檓 a parent and I want to get on Metro, I have to know that in the unlikely event something happens, that somebody will be there to take care of me and take care of my family when I鈥檓 probably the most scared I鈥檝e even been in my whole life. And that鈥檚 what we鈥檙e doing here today.鈥�
In addition to Loudoun County, responders from all over the region will use the simulator for everything from medical incidents to fires to mass casualty incidents. The only comparable training facility in the area is in Greenbelt, Maryland, leaders said.
