New York’s State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany is once again hosting the Raven’s Challenge, the world’s largest training event for bomb squads and military explosive ordnance disposal teams. This annual event, held in four locations around the country, trains bomb technicians how to counter the threat of improvised explosive devices to keep the public safe.

This year’s exercise will feature more than 100 bomb technicians from bomb squads from throughout the United States, Canada and Europe participating in various scenario-based trainings, including a dignitary protection sweep coordinated by the United States Secret Service, a situation involving a 3D printed grenade that can be dropped by a drone or projected by a tube, and a courthouse checkpoint scene involving an explosive device uncovered during an X-ray. This is the third time in five years that the ATF and the U.S. Army have selected the State Preparedness Training Center to host this prestigious event.

Date: April 10, 2019

Time: Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m., with exercise observation until 11:30 a.m.

Location: New York State Preparedness Training Center, 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, N.Y., 13424.

RSVP: Due to the sensitive nature of the training and security at the facility, media wishing to attend must RSVP by 5 p.m. Tuesday, April 9. 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 (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. Located on 1,100 acres, the SPTC annually trains thousands of first responders, namely law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS) 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 DHSES

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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