Case Study: Searcy Fire Department achieves immersive, realistic firefighter training with SMART Technologies' SMART Board interactive whiteboard

Technology transforms the way firefighters train

Searcy Fire Department, led by training officer Doug Baker, faced the challenge of preparing firefighters for complex, dangerous incidents while keeping training realistic and engaging for everyone from new recruits to the chief. Baker needed a way to simulate real-world fires and hazards in a controlled classroom environment so crews could practice strategy, tactics and incident command without the risk of live burns.

The department adopted a SMART Board interactive whiteboard with StageIT simulation and Notebook software to run photo-based, interactive scenarios—adding fire, smoke, audio and evolving conditions that the instructor can change in real time. The technology enables multi-station virtual exercises, briefings and hazmat/search-and-rescue drills, resulting in more realistic, participatory training that improves decision-making, teamwork and pre-fire planning for community facilities.