The 2026 Technical Rescue Conference is an intensive four-day hands-on training and professional development event for first responders, firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel, running May 28–31, 2026, in New York State. Organized by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), this premier first responders conference delivers cutting-edge technical rescue training that saves lives and enhances operational capabilities across all emergency disciplines.
Technical rescue encompasses some of the most challenging and high-stakes operations that first responders undertake. The 2026 conference curriculum covers the full spectrum of technical rescue disciplines including high-angle rope rescue, low-angle and slope rescue, confined space rescue and entry procedures, structural collapse search and rescue (USAR), trench rescue and excavation emergencies, water and swift water rescue, vehicle and machinery extrication, and incident command for complex technical rescue operations.
Participants will benefit from a unique blend of classroom instruction and extensive hands-on practical exercises conducted by nationally certified instructors with real-world operational experience. The hands-on component is particularly valuable, allowing first responders to practice skills in realistic training environments that closely simulate actual emergency scenarios they may encounter in the field.
The conference is open to all first responders regardless of agency type or size, welcoming career and volunteer firefighters, law enforcement rescue teams, EMS personnel, search and rescue teams, and emergency management professionals. This inclusive approach fosters valuable cross-disciplinary learning and helps build the interoperability essential for effective multi-agency technical rescue operations.
New York State's DHSES brings unparalleled expertise and resources to this first responders training conference, drawing on the state's extensive experience managing complex emergencies including the World Trade Center collapse response, Hurricane Sandy recovery, and numerous other large-scale technical rescue operations that have shaped modern rescue doctrine nationwide.
Continuing education credits are available for eligible participants. Registration is competitive and fills quickly given the high demand for quality technical rescue training. All participants must meet physical fitness requirements appropriate for technical rescue operations. Equipment lists and prerequisites will be provided upon registration confirmation through the DHSES upcoming events portal.
