WHO: Public safety bomb squads, military explosive ordnance disposal and explosive detection canine teams representing New York, four other states, Canada, and federal partners are participating in the Raven’s Challenge Exercise. New York is one of only four states in the nation to host this exercise that prepares first responders to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices.

WHAT: VIP Day at the Raven’s Challenge, when reporters, photographers, and videographers can view portions of exercises with bomb squads and explosive detection canine teams in a realistic training environment. Members of the media can also tour the site of the Raven’s Challenge, the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC), a sprawling, world-class facility that annually trains thousands of first responders.

Scheduled exercises included in the media availability are a “robot rodeo” and disruption of a model improvised explosive device (IED), and an active training in CityScape, a realistic “mini-city” that includes a mall, hotel, bank, a high school, courthouse, retail stores, and a city-style motel building, providing a realistic environment for scenario-based training and instruction.

This is the second consecutive year that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Army have selected the SPTC to host this prestigious, national event. More than 100 bomb technicians, along with nearly 90 support staff, are participating in the Raven’s Challenge this year.

WHEN: Wednesday, May 18, 2016. Check-in at 9:30 a.m., and exercises, a tour of the SPTC, and the opportunity for interviews until noon.

Media representatives will be escorted around the facility; additionally, because training exercises are scheduled ahead of time, it is important to arrive promptly for check-in.

WHERE: The New York State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC), 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, N.Y., 13424.

Media attendees must RSVP to be admitted to the Raven’s Challenge. Upon arrival, please drive to the main gate, where your name will be on a list with the security guard. You will then be directed to park. After parking, please enter the main Education and Administration Building. Public Information Officers will meet you at check-in, and then escort you through the SPTC to view active training.

WHY: The Raven's Challenge began in 2004 in the Pacific Northwest, and has since grown to reach more than 1,000 participants nationwide each year. The Raven’s Challenge is now the largest Explosive Ordnance Disposal/Public Safety Bomb Squad training exercise in the world. The SPTC in Oriskany is one of only four sites nationwide to host this year’s Raven’s Challenge activities (other sites include Florida, Texas and Washington), which boosts the local economy and gives the state the opportunity to show the SPTC to guests who may not typically get to see it. New York has the highest risk of terrorism in the nation, and its citizens are uniquely aware and prepared for manmade and natural disasters, making the SPTC an important venue for emergency and disaster training.

For a video on last year’s Raven’s Challenge visit:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iD3hr9vPXT0

For images on last year’s Raven’s Challenge visit:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/132476286@N05/albums/72157654554306790

RSVP: Due to the sensitive nature of the training and security at the facility, attendees will need to be admitted into the SPTC, making it imperative that media outlets RSVP by Tuesday, May 17. To do so, please contact Kristin Devoe at Kristin.Devoe@dhses.ny.gov or (518) 242-5153 with the names of any reporters, photographers, and videographers planning to attend; the media outlet they represent; and contact information. Credentials will be provided at check-in.

About the SPTC

Operated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) affords state, local, and federal agencies a complex of training venues that can be used for the entire spectrum of training. From classroom lectures and discussions to reality- and high-performance scenario-based training, the SPTC offers opportunities for dynamic emergency first responder training. The SPTC annually trains thousands of first reporters, namely law enforcement and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, in a variety of areas including response to active shooter events, emergency vehicle operations, EMS special situations, and team tactics for patrol officers.

About DHSES

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES) and its four offices -- Counter Terrorism, Emergency Management, Fire Prevention and Control, and Interoperable and Emergency Communications -- provide leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism and other man-made and natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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