Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital has donated $5,000 to the Police Foundation of Paducah-McCracken County to assist in the purchase of an interactive training simulator. The foundation has been raising funds for the purchase of the $100,000 simulator, which will assist in firearms and use-of-force training by exposing officers to life-like scenarios.

“Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital appreciates the opportunity to support the men and women who we work closely with every day and who have dedicated their lives to keeping our community safe,” said Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital CEO Michael Yungmann. “It’s a privilege to be part of the effort to bring this valuable piece of equipment to the region so that our police force can have the most modern training for extreme situations.”

The interactive video-based system allows officers to experience life-like simulations to prepare for everything from verbal de-escalation to active shooter and school safety scenarios. Once received, the equipment will help increase officer proficiency and will improve public safety by not only training officers but also through the ability to extend training opportunities to local schools, hospitals, churches and businesses.

"We are so grateful for the support of Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital in helping us achieve our most ambitious fundraising goal yet,” said foundation chairperson Erica Harrison. “The virtual training simulator leverages cutting edge technology to equip our officers in their mission to keep our community safe and would not be within reach without partners like Mercy Health - Lourdes Hospital."

To learn more about the Police Foundation of Paducah-McCracken County, including how to support its fundraising efforts for the training simulator, visit paducahpolicefoundation.org. For information concerning Mercy Health – Lourdes Hospital visit Mercy.com.