Large Scale School Shooting Simulation Held in Harpursville

On Friday, July 18, 2025, Harpursville became the setting for a large-scale, high-intensity school shooting simulation.

More than 100 participants from law enforcement, emergency services, school staff, and the local community came together to test their readiness in the face of a mass casualty crisis.

Realistic Scenario Designed to Test Readiness

Organized by the Broome County Sheriff’s Office Training Division in partnership with the Harpursville Central School District, the simulation involved multiple shooters, injured victims, and even improvised explosive devices. The goal was to mimic a chaotic real-life active shooter event as closely as possible, putting response coordination and communication to the test under pressure.

“Every Second Counts,” Undersheriff Says

“Our Broome County Sheriff’s Training Division made every effort to make this scenario as real as possible,” said Undersheriff Sam Davis. “No one ever wants to see the day this training must be used in real life, but we must always be prepared. These trainings are the best way for our men and women to ensure they’re ready when lives are on the line.”

Responders Given No Warning, Forced to React in Real Time

To keep the exercise realistic, first responders were not briefed ahead of time. Just after 9:00 a.m., simulated emergency reports began pouring in. Responders had to mobilize quickly and work together to manage a developing threat with limited information, just as they would in an actual emergency.

SWAT, Bomb Squad, and Drones Activated

The scene quickly filled with units from Broome County SWAT, the Endicott Bomb Squad, K9 handlers, and ambulance crews. Emergency responders worked alongside school officials to enter the building, evacuate victims, and reunite students with their families. Drone teams provided an aerial view for command units, helping guide decisions from above.

Academy Recruits Played Victims for Extra Realism

Recruits from the Broome County Sheriff’s Law Enforcement Academy played the roles of civilians and injured victims, adding an emotional and logistical layer to the drill. This helped responders practice their skills in treating injuries, navigating panicked crowds, and managing reunification efforts.

Strong Praise for Planning and Execution

Lt. Jan Cower, head of the Sheriff’s Training Division, was credited with designing the training scenario. “We could not have conducted this operation successfully without close coordination and planning with our partners in law enforcement, emergency services, and our local schools,” Davis said.

Community and Regional Agencies Join Forces

Agencies involved in the exercise included the Broome County Office of Emergency Services, Harpursville Central School District, Chenango County Sheriff’s Office, Endicott Police, Johnson City Police, New York State Police, Vestal Police, Broome Security, Harpursville Fire Department, Broome Ambulance Services, and Superior Ambulance.

Unified Effort Brings Confidence to the Community

Undersheriff Davis summed up the operation by saying, “Seeing firsthand how smoothly and professionally everyone worked together was truly inspiring. We could not be prouder of their hard work today.”

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The hope is that this type of training never has to be used, but if the unthinkable happens, the community now knows that its responders are ready.