Who: More than 110 first responders representing bomb squads, explosive detection canine teams and tactical teams from across New York State.

What: The 5^th Annual Excelsior Challenge is a hands-on training event that helps increase operational coordination and integration among New York’s bomb squads, explosive detection canine teams and tactical teams.

When: September 18, 2019. 9:15 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Media will observe the following scenarios:

• A mass gathering scenario based on incidents in Charlottesville and Baton Rouge
• An attack on a house of worship based on incidents in Pittsburgh and New Zealand

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

Why: The increased coordination of bomb squads, explosive detection canine teams and tactical teams is critical given the complexity of recent events across the U.S., and around the world. Attendees will participate in a series of scenario-based activities to enhance operational coordination and communication. These scenarios are based on the current threat environment and leverage the State Preparedness Training Center’s more than 1,100-acre property.

This year’s Excelsior Challenge features five challenging, realistic hands-on scenarios including an attack during a large-scale mass gathering (modeled after the violence that erupted in Charlottesville in 2017), an active shooter attack in a house of worship, and the apprehension of a serial bomber in near-dark conditions. 

RSVP: News media wishing to attend should RSVP to Chet Lasell at chet.lasell@dhses.ny.gov or 518-402-6472.

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