New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services hosts its inaugural “Canine Week” at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, N.Y., from June 11-14, 2019. Canine Week features nearly fifty explosive detection canine teams from across New York State participating in hands-on, scenario-based training.

New York’s more than 300 law enforcement explosive detection canine teams play a critical role in protecting public safety as they are primarily responsible for conducting searches for explosive materials near building exteriors, parking lots, office areas, vehicles and critical infrastructure sites, as well as mass gathering events.

The media will observe canine teams training in the following scenarios:

• Teams operating out of a helicopter during an emergency response;

• Teams detecting explosives in a maritime environment using the state’s Swift Water/Flood Rescue training facility;

• Teams integrating with a tactical team to practice executing a high-risk warrant involving explosives.

Date: Thursday, June 13, 2019

Time: Check-in between 10:00-10:15 a.m.; exercise observation and interviews until noon.

Location: New York State Preparedness Training Center, 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, NY, 13424

New York State law enforcement agencies participating (some with multiple teams):

Albany County Sheriff's Office

Buffalo Police Department

Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office

Erie County Sheriff's Office

Monroe County Sheriff's Office

Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department

New York City Police Department (Transit Bureau and Counterterrorism Response Command)

New York State Police

Niagara County Sheriff's Office

Ontario County Sheriff's Office

Putnam County Sheriff's Office

Rochester Police Department

Suffolk County Police Department

Town of Saugerties Police Department

Utica Police Department

Westchester County Police Department

Additional Participating Partners:

Camden County Sheriff's Office (Georgia)

Connecticut State Police

Norwalk Police Department (Connecticut)

Transportation Security Administration

United States Coast Guard

RSVP: Due to the sensitive nature of the training and security at the facility, media wishing to attend must RSVP by 6 p.m. on June 12. To do so, please contact Chet Lasell at chet.lasell@dhses.ny.gov or (518) 402-6472 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 State Preparedness Training Center

Operated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, the State Preparedness Training Center 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. Located on 1,100 acres, the SPTC annually trains thousands of first responders, namely law enforcement, emergency medical services and technical rescue personnel, in a variety of areas including response to active shooter events, emergency vehicle operations, EMS special situations, swift water/flood rescue and team tactics for patrol officers.

About the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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