A helicopter hovers above members of the Emergency Response Team or ERT as they participate in specialized training simulations.

At NASA’s Protective Services Training Academy at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, a helicopter hovers above members of the Emergency Response Team, or ERT, as they participate in specialized training simulations. They are wearing full protective gear and carrying non-lethal firearms for the training exercises in order to keep their skills current.

Recently, eight members of the ERT competed in the 31st Annual SWAT Roundup International competition in Orlando, Fla., and received recognition by placing in the top five overall. In keeping with NASA’s commitment to safety and security of workforce and assets, the ERT is part of Kennedy’s security team and is trained to respond in the event of an emergency at the center. Photo credit: NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis