A simulation of a nightclub shooting and a hostage situation at a place of worship were just two training scenarios taking place at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany this week.

The quality of the exercises offered is drawing a lot of interest from law enforcement agencies.

“We actually had a waiting list of several, I don't know the exact number, but quite a few officers that wanted to get in to be a part of this, and we just we just don't have the bandwidth to have such a large event. So unfortunately, we did have to turn a few people away and say, 'We'll get you next year,'” said State Preparedness Training Center Assistant Director Bob Stallman.

Law enforcement members from Buffalo to Long Island participated in the challenge this week. They said they are learning valuable skills by working together.

“One of the greatest parts about coming to these events is you meet so many knowledgeable people. You get to see what other people from different parts of the state are doing, and you get to take home what you like. That's how we stay up to date, and that's how we keep getting better,” said Chris Vomer, a patrolman with the Utica Police Department.

“Can't even put into words, don't have the vocabulary for it. To be able to get with all the other agencies and disciplines across New York state to work jointly together to, most importantly, have tough and realistic training, I mean, just can't tell how valuable that actually is when it's time to perform that function in real life,” said Rochester Police Department Sergeant Angel Pagan.

Forty-three bomb technicians, 42 explosive detection canine handlers and 67 tactical team operators are at the event. For those that enjoy what they do, getting to fine tune their skills in a safe environment is something to look forward to.

“This is fun, but the scenarios they put on are really detailed. And they're as close as you can get to a live scenario, or a live event happening,” said Buffalo SWAT Team Assistant Team Leader Eric Kross.

More training opportunities are coming up.

“We continue to host more events as the time goes by. We're getting busier and busier every year," Stallman said.

This year’s event was the largest yet. Some law enforcement members from Vermont and New Jersey joined in.