PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — The so-called "body farm" in Pasco County is getting bigger.
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Real human bodies are buried at the FIRST facility in Land 'O Lakes, which is used to train first responders from around the world.
Now, there's a massive rubble pile there that can be used to train for body detection in a mass casualty situation.
Seeing that rubble pile stirs up memories for Dr. Heather Walsh-Haney of Florida Gulf Coast University. She was at ground zero after 9/11, helping to identify bodies in the rubble.
"Responding to a national tragedy like that one, you never forget," Walsh-Haney said.
But there was one thing she wished she had before she went there.
"Being in training process beforehand would have helped with the anxiety there," she said.
Now she can help with that training by bringing that experience to a new generation.
FGCU is partnering with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office to teach a new generation of forensics detectives.
This building simulates all sorts of hazards. It will also be used for K-9 training.
"There's all different pieces to public safety," said Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco. "Where it all comes together is right here at FIRST. We're preparing for natural disasters, man-made disasters, any type of threat to our community."
In addition, to the rubble pile, FGCU will be running a second body farm at the site. USF is running the one there now, though Pasco County recently canceled their lease agreement.