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Simulator training can be a woozy experience for troopers

EDITOR’S NOTE: Thanks to the Washington State Patrol for giving Chinook Observer reporter Kevin Heimbigner a unique behind-the-scenes look at simulator training at the patrol’s Vancouver facility. This first-person story is the result of Heimbigner’s experience.

VANCOUVER — A semi-truck has overturned on what looks like Interstate-90 by Moses Lake. I am behind the wheel of a 2009 Crown Victoria Washington State Patrol (WSP) cruiser and I’m stopped at a rest area. I turn the key to the car, signal left, and give it gas. Just then a woman exits from the cab of a log truck and walks directly in front of me.

I hit the brake pedal, but nothing happens. “Learn how much pressure you have to use to operate the gas and brakes,” the supportive voice of instructor Neil Hoffberger says as I avoid running over the pedestrian. I am in the WSP’s simulator at District V headquarters in Vancouver as guest of Corporal Mark Lewis, Hoffberger, and public information officer Ryan Tanner.

Sgt. Brad Moon, secretary Nikki Footh of Naselle and Freddy Williams have helped set up the simulation and I have ridden from Naselle with trooper Lonnie Eaton, who has come for his two-year “training, review and assessment”  on Monday, July 18.  

“Clear the intersection,” Hoffberger instructs during another scenario. I am on a two-lane street in what is Salt Lake City as the simulator was built by the Utah company, Military Professional Resource Inc. All three lanes are blocked, including the left-hand turn lane by a city bus. Thinking he means “Go,” I proceed into oncoming traffic and get a glimpse of something green between the cars stopped on H Street. 

I brake hard. The green car turns and collides head on with my stopped cruiser. “He could have stopped,” I think. The simulator gives a hard bump very similar to a low-impact collision and the steering wheel is involuntarily yanked from my grip due to the impact.

“Oops,” Hoffberger says. “Proceed with your call.

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