NORCOM’s 911 call center will be running an active shooter simulation training on May 23 starting at 11 p.m. and will run for approximately two hours. The simulation will be broadcast on police radio on a training frequency. The simulated training will reference a school in Kirkland.

The simulation training will broadcast pre-recorded sound effects over the radio including gunfire, children screaming and multiple sirens. During the simulation, NORCOM’s 911 dispatchers will be tested on their ability to handle a large scale, emotionally charged event. The high risk, low frequency scenario-based simulation is part of NORCOM’s police radio training.

“It is our hope that no one, in their dispatch career, should ever have to use these skills,” said Jami Hoppen, NORCOM’s training coordinator. “However, as part of our ongoing training program, our call center runs through crisis simulation exercises to look for any weaknesses and identify the strengths of our personnel and practices.”

NORCOM operates in downtown Bellevue and provides 911 emergency call receiving and dispatch services covering 625 square miles.

NORCOM dispatches for five police agencies: Bellevue, Clyde Hill, Kirkland, Medina and Mercer Island. NORCOM dispatches for fourteen fire and EMS agencies: Bellevue, Bothell, Duvall Fire District No. 45, Eastside Fire and Rescue, Fall City Fire District No. 27, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Northshore, Redmond, Shoreline, Skykomish Fire District No. 50, City of Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Pass and Woodinville.