Nassau County held a training course Tuesday for emergency responders to prepare for the threat of an active assailant.

The exercise was held at the Glen Cove Ferry Terminal. The goal was to test existing plans and procedures, and ensure the collective agencies are coordinated in response.

Officials believe the time to prepare for such emergencies is now.

"You always prepare for the worst and hope for the best and fortunately we've been very lucky in Nassau County, says Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. “But, that time…when it does come and it will come one day, we have to be prepared.”

News 12 is told the exercise focused on response, mitigation of impacts, coordination/communication, mass-care, triage and transportation. Recovery protocol was also covered.