The Maryland 9-1-1 Board gathered in Worcester County to celebrate the state’s emergency communications professionals during its annual Day of Celebration.

The event recognized 9-1-1 specialists from across Maryland for their outstanding service, training, and dedication to protecting residents.

Held at the Grand Hotel Ballroom, the ceremony honored 21 telecommunicators whose professionalism and composure save lives every day.

Senator Cheryl Kagan delivered the keynote address, following opening remarks from Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland. Both highlighted the growing professionalism of Maryland’s emergency communications system and the importance of continued investment in technology, training, and workforce development.

Maryland’s 9-1-1 specialists serve as the first link in emergency response, connecting residents in crisis with the resources they need. Their work requires focus, technical skill, and empathy, and the ceremony underscored how essential these professionals are to public safety.

“Our 9-1-1 Specialists and our entire emergency system might be the most invisible government employees, and among our most essential,” Senator Kagan. “We must ensure that they are acknowledged, supported, and provided with the very best technology and training. I am proud to celebrate these courageous women and men through the Day of Celebration.”

Maryland continues to set the national standard for modern emergency communications. The Commission to Advance Next Generation 9-1-1 — a 2018 MACo Legislative Initiative — brought together 9-1-1 directors, legislators, cybersecurity experts, and public safety stakeholders to update state law and the 9-1-1 financing system. Senator Cheryl Kagan chaired the Commission.

In 2019, the General Assembly enacted comprehensive legislation based on the Commission’s recommendations. Over the following years, lawmakers passed several additional laws to bolster the framework and resources guiding Maryland’s transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911).

Together, these reforms provided counties with the flexibility and support needed to develop a secure, statewide NG911 system, enabling faster and more reliable emergency responses and enhancing public safety communications across Maryland.

This year’s Telecommunicator of the Year honorees represent counties across the state:

Sarah Braithwaite (Allegany), Kerrie Cooper and Jolanda Ellison (Anne Arundel), Anna Richmond and Kaylee Oldewurtel (Baltimore County), Sarah Hugel (Calvert), Monique Mills (Carroll), Kelsie Spealman and Zachary Timchula (Cecil), John Hackley, Trisha Rogerson, Andrea Bellevou, Vincent Houchin, and Sharde Curley (Charles), Brittany Busche (Frederick), Valerie Cromer (Howard), Riyan Anjum (Montgomery), Lt. Michelle Miller, Edward Dillon, Cory Holm, and Dale Whitby (Queen Anne’s), Amanda Frock (Somerset), Christy Coffey (St. Mary’s), and Hannah Ward (Talbot).

Kelsie Spealman of Cecil County received the Marilyn Farndon Excellence in Training Award, which honors leadership in advancing high-quality, standardized training for 9-1-1 professionals statewide. The award continues the legacy of Marilyn Farndon, the state’s first 9-1-1 Board Executive Director, who established Maryland’s certified 9-1-1 training program.

Stay tuned to Conduit Street for more information.