Canine Teams From NYS Law Enforcement Agencies Took Part in Weeklong Training, Rotating Through Five Specialized Skills Lanes at State Preparedness Training Center
Photos Available Here
New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary today announced 62 explosive detection canine teams from across the state participated in ‘Canine Week’ this week at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany. The exercise allowed handlers and their canine partners to practice response and leadership skills in a variety of real-world scenarios involving explosives and explosive devices. Teams from local and state law enforcement agencies participated in training, which began on Monday, April 27.
“New York State’s public safety canines and their handlers work in ever evolving landscapes – training is key to keeping themselves and their communities safe,” Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O’Leary said. “The Division is proud to have hosted Canine Week for the sixth time, and we thank our law enforcement partners from across the state and beyond for their participation and for their service.”
New York’s more than 300 law enforcement explosive detection canine (EDC) teams aid law enforcement’s response through conducting searches for explosive materials near building exteriors, parking lots, office areas, vehicles, mass transit venues, critical infrastructure sites, and mass gathering events.
All Canine Week EDC teams are participating in the following skills lanes:
- Mass Gathering Event Security: The summer of 2026 will feature an unprecedented series of mass gathering events across New York State, including the FIFA World Cup, Sail 4th 250, and 250th birthday celebrations for the United States. In anticipation of these events, this session was developed by canine instructors from state and local agencies with dedicated experience in this realm. This effort included sweeps at athletic facilities, as well as a simulated parade at the SPTC and other related activities to better prepare EDC teams for this summer’s events.
- Specialty Team Socialization and Integration: This session focused on the successful integration of EDC teams with both Bomb Squads and Tactical Teams. This aligns with the enduring objectives of Canine Week, the Excelsior Challenge, and other major training events sponsored by DHSES. The Bomb Squad integration effort was guided by the New York State Police’s Bomb Disposal Unit (BDU), while the Tactical integration activities were guided by handlers who have successfully integrated their canines with Tactical Teams in their respective regions.
- Maritime Exposure: New York State is home to a vast array of diverse waterways; of note, the entire state can be traversed by water. Given this, it’s critical that New York State’s EDC teams can effectively work in maritime environments as part of the state’s broader counterterrorism strategy. This lane focused on maritime work, leveraging the Swift Water and Flood Training (SWFT) venue at the SPTC, as well as the nearby Lock 20 in Marcy.
- Aftermath of an Active Shooter Event: This lane featured lessons learned for EDC teams from recent active shooter events across the United States. The training experience included a chaotic post-event scene with a wide array for distraction elements. Veterinarians from Cornell University supported this training experience, and handlers ran through decontamination procedures with their canine with the DHSES Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC).
- Canine Transitions: EDC teams are often utilized for a variety of different purposes, including explosive detection and handler protection; however, transitioning between these various roles (particularly in intense situations) can be challenging for even experienced canines. This lane highlighted techniques and tools for handlers to guide their canines through these transitions. This lane was led by instructors from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding agencies from the Hudson Valley.
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bryan DiGirolamo said, “K9 teams are a critical force multiplier in public safety, using specialized skills to detect threats and protect our communities. Training alongside our partners strengthens coordination and readiness across every environment. We thank the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services for hosting and our ATF K9 trainers for advancing certification efforts. This collaboration helps keep New Yorkers safe.”
The following law enforcement agencies participated (some with multiple teams):
- Binghamton Police Department
- Broome County Sheriff’s Office
- Buffalo Police Department
- Cattaraugus County Sheriff’s Office
- City of Peekskill Police Department
- Colonie Police Department
- Erie County Sheriff’s Office
- Irondequoit Police Department
- Ithaca Police Department
- Massachusetts State Police
- Monroe County Sheriff's Office
- MTA Police Department
- Nassau County Police Department
- New Hartford Police Department
- New York State Police
- Niagara County Sheriff's Office
- NYC Department of Environmental Protection Police
- NYPD
- NYS University Police Department
- Oneida County Sheriff's Office
- Ontario County Sheriff's Office
- Orchard Park Police Department
- Oswego City Police Department
- Otsego County Sheriff’s Office
- Port Authority Police Department
- Rochester Police Department
- Rockland County Sheriff’s Office
- Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office
- Seneca County Sheriff’s Office
- Suffolk County Police Department
- Town of Haverstraw Police Department
- Town of New Windsor Police Department
- Town of Newburgh Police Department
- Ulster County Sheriff’s Office
- Utica Police Department
- Westchester County Police Department
- White Plains Police Department
About the State Preparedness Training Center
New York State is home to one of the premier first responder training facilities in the nation – the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) in Oriskany. Located on 1,100 acres, the SPTC offers an extensive series of realistic training venues, a Swift Water and Flood Training (SWFT) venue, a 45,000 square foot CityScape complex, and an Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) simulator. From classroom lectures and discussions to skill development lanes to reality and high-performance scenario-based training, the SPTC offers state, local, and federal agencies a spectrum of opportunities for dynamic emergency first responder training.
About the State 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 DHSES Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on X, or visit dhses.ny.gov.
Get real-time emergency and weather alert texts delivered directly to your phone. Text your county or borough of residence to 333111 to enroll now. Learn more at dhses.ny.gov/emergency-alerts.
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