VirTra Inc. in Chandler, Arizona, makes virtual training simulators for law enforcement. The Umatilla County Sheriff's Office on Dec. 18, 2024, is holding a ceremony at its headquarters in Pendleton to unveil the new state-of-the-art training simulator it won from VirTra.

PENDLETON — The Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office is unveiling its new state-of-the-art training simulator.

The sheriff’s office on Tuesday, Dec. 17, announced it applied for and won a free VirTra Training Simulator and certified training curriculum, valued at approximately $70,000.

To celebrate, the sheriff’s office is holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony to present the training system to the public. The event is Wednesday, Dec. 18, 1-3 p.m., at the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office, 4700 NW Pioneer Place, Pendleton, and includes a demonstration of the system.

VirTra Inc. in Chandler, Arizona, makes virtual training simulators for law enforcement. The company ran a contest, Taskforce Santa, asking law enforcement agencies to submit a written explanation for why Virtra should select their agency to receive the prize— a free V-100 simulator.

Out of more than 90 agencies that applied nationwide, Virtra selected the Umatilla County Sheriff’s Office.

Representatives from Virtra arrived Tuesday to set up the system, the sheriff’s office reported.

“Our officers will receive training on how to operate the system. Other local law enforcement agencies from the region were also invited to participate in the training,” according to the announcement.

Simulation training helps prepare law enforcement officers for real-life incidents by submersing them in intense scenarios that require real-time problem solving and judgment. Scenario-based simulated training, according to the announcement, directly contributes to keeping officers and the community safe.

The scenarios are designed to teach critical concepts, including communication skills, verbal and non-verbal cues, deescalation, less-lethal, use of force and more.

“We are passionate about sharing this training with other law enforcement agencies in the area, and excited about the training possibilities it provides for the future,” the sheriff’s office stated.

For more information on the simulation training, visit www.virtra.com.