Who: More than 100 first responders representing New York State’s bomb squads, explosive detection canine handlers and tactical teams.  Participants include 28 bomb technicians representing all 13 FBI-accredited bomb squads in New York State; 31 explosive detection canine handlers from over 15 law enforcement agencies across the state; and 50 tactical team operators from ten law enforcement agencies across the state.

What: The third annual Excelsior Challenge, a hands-on training event to increase operational coordination and integration among bomb squads, explosive detection canine teams, and tactical teams in New York State.  Held at the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC), the Excelsior Challenge will feature seven unique scenarios based on the current threat environment for participants to test their response capabilities.

When: September 27, 2017, 8:45 a.m.- 11:00 a.m.

Registration between 8:45 a.m-9:15 a.m. Media tour of the SPTC, viewing key exercise sites, and interview opportunities with officials and experts until 11:00 a.m. Media will be escorted around the facility.

Where: State Preparedness Training Center at 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, NY 13424

Why: The Excelsior Challenge gives responders the opportunity to test their capabilities in real-world scenarios on the SPTC’s more-than 1,100-acre property.  In the 16 years since the 9/11 attacks, New York continues to be identified as the most likely target of terrorism in the U.S.

This year’s Excelsior Challenge will feature:

• Participation by members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
• Collaboration with students of UAlbany’s College of Emergency Preparedness, Homeland Security and Cybersecurity.
• Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in various scenarios.
• Seven training scenarios based on the current threat environment. Scenarios include an attack on a crowded nightclub; a vehicle ramming attack; an attack on a subway car; an attack in a mall, and a law enforcement response to a known gang safe house.

RSVP: Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 26.  Due to the sensitive nature of the training and security at the facility, attendees will need to be admitted into the SPTC.  Please provide the names of reporters, photographers and videographers planning to attend to Chet Lasell at chet.lasell@dhses.ny.gov or 518-402-6472.  Credentials will be provided at check-in.

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