Across the country, Incident Commander training is viewed as a critical part of Fire Officer readiness and safety. However, this training can often vary from department to department and be rather passive and static. This is the exact opposite of most fireground scenes, which require Fire Officers to make split second life and death judgments in rapidly changing environments. Unsatisfied with traditional training techniques, the Orange County (FL) Fire Rescue Department (OCFRD) partnered with the University of Central Florida’s Institute for Simulation and Training (UCF-IST) to create a modernized training program for Lieutenant, Captain and Battalion Chief Incident Commanders (IC). For this project, UCF-IST conducted a rigorous performance and needs analysis on OCFRD’s Incident Command Academy. This analysis identified key environmental cues and critical skills that led to specific decision points and tactical direction for ICs. With this in hand, UCF-IST created an engaging, performance oriented, multimedia training program and unique immersive simulator that allowed ICs to learn and practice critical skills through scenario-based learning. In addition, the open-ended nature of the simulation allows for multiple personnel to participate, increasing crew coordination through collective team training. Since completion OCFRD trainers have run over 400 Fire Officers through the program which employs pre-training web modules, step by step instruction and e-learning activities designed to gradually ramp the Incident Commander into the instructional material and interactive technology, thereby improving their comfort level and acceptance of the program. The training academy classes were organized by Battalion, which improved unit cohesion while raising the tactical knowledge level of participating Fire Officers. OCFRD reports near unanimous improvements in the tactical IC performance and morale of Battalions and their acceptance of this modernized training academy.