Part of MACo’s “Tech Expo” on Wednesday kicking off the summer conference, a panel of experts on local 9-1-1 centers discussed the move to “next generation” service.

Senator Cheryl Kagan, lead sponsor of the implementing legislation passed in 2019 and Chair of the Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 Across Maryland, led a well-attended conversation on a central public safety service.

Technology advances, additional staff training, integratable systems, and other challenges lie ahead as Maryland moves toward improved service. Expected advances include improved location detection for wireless callers, and contacting 9-1-1 through different means.

The panel speakers included:

• Ross Coates, Manager, Emergency Services Communications Center, Harford County
• Bill Ferretti, Director, 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center, Montgomery County
• Jack Markey, Director of Emergency Management, Frederick County
• Anna Sierra, Deputy Director, Emergency Services, Caroline County

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