Governor Wes Moore delivered Governor Moore APCO remarks at the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials International Conference in Baltimore on July 30, 2025, emphasizing the vital role of communications officials in disaster response and crime reduction efforts.
In his Governor Moore APCO remarks, the governor highlighted Maryland’s response to incidents like the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the state’s comprehensive strategy to achieve historic drops in violent crime.
“Partnership produces progress, and we need partnership now, more than ever,” said Gov. Moore. “Maryland has achieved enormous drops in crime. In order to hold those reductions, we need everyone inside and outside of this room working together. You are the sentinels, always watching our six. And we will make sure we watch yours.”
The Moore-Miller Administration has adopted an all-of-the-above approach to curbing violent crime through substantial investments in law enforcement support. Preliminary data indicate statewide homicides and non-fatal shootings are at their lowest levels in a decade. Baltimore City has recorded the fewest homicides at this point in any year, breaking a trend of over 300 annual homicides that persisted before the governor’s tenure.
In his Governor Moore APCO remarks, Moore detailed approximately $133 million invested in the 9-1-1 system across 974 local projects to enable all counties to adopt Next Generation 9-1-1 technology, known as NG911. Maryland leads nationally in developing and deploying i3-standard NG911 session transfer capabilities, providing emergency centers with enhanced real-time data for better crisis management.
The Maryland 9-1-1 Board coordinates with communities and stakeholders to improve county systems. It proactively offers training resources to the public safety communications workforce, including programs for 9-1-1 training officers and specialized protocols like the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Protocol 41, the first global suicide risk and ideation protocol for handling mental distress calls. These efforts, combined with mental health training, support Maryland’s 1,500 licensed 9-1-1 specialists who managed over 3.8 million sessions in 2024.
Founded in 1935, APCO is the world’s oldest and largest organization for public safety communications professionals, with more than 40,000 members managing, operating, building, and supporting systems for law enforcement, fire, emergency medical, and other agencies. The association provides industry expertise, professional development, technical assistance, and advocacy.
Under Chair Scott Haas and Executive Director Dr. Christy Collins, the Maryland 9-1-1 Board partnered with local emergency centers for a recruitment table at the APCO conference to promote career opportunities in emergency communications.
The Governor Moore APCO remarks align with ongoing state initiatives to bolster public safety infrastructure. In 2021, U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen announced over $7 million in federal funding to support Maryland’s upgrade to NG911 capabilities, aiding counties in enhancing emergency response systems. This funding contributed to statewide advancements discussed in the Governor Moore APCO remarks.
Local implementations in Southern Maryland reflect these efforts. Calvert County activated a new public safety communications system in 2021, replacing a 25-year-old setup with an 800-megahertz P25 digital system for improved reliability. In 2024, Calvert’s 911 services earned recognition for excellence in public education from the National Emergency Number Association.
The FirstNet network, a nationwide broadband platform for first responders, expanded in Maryland in 2020 and 2021, advancing communications capabilities and connectivity. Charles County benefited from FirstNet 5G deployment in 2021, supporting first responders as part of Maryland’s commitment.
These developments complement the crime reduction strategies outlined in the Governor Moore APCO remarks. A 2024 report noted violent crime drops nationwide, with mixed trends in Maryland jurisdictions, including reductions in some areas.The administration’s focus on partnerships echoes broader reforms, such as juvenile justice measures signed in 2024 to enhance oversight and safety.
Emergency dispatchers in Southern Maryland have received accolades, underscoring the workforce’s dedication. In 2023, dispatchers from Prince Frederick and La Plata were honored at a Maryland State Police awards ceremony. Calvert’s Emergency Communications was named a 2022 Tyler Technologies Public Sector Excellence Award winner for its system upgrades. A Calvert dispatcher earned the Optimist Club’s Respect for Law Enforcement Telecommunicator of the Year in 2022.
The Governor Moore APCO remarks also tie into recent executive actions, like the July 2024 order for clearer government communication to boost preparedness. Such measures support the sentinels Moore referenced, ensuring robust systems for emergencies.
APCO’s conference provided a platform for these discussions, fostering collaboration among professionals. The recruitment initiative highlights efforts to build the next generation of specialists, crucial for sustaining Maryland’s progress.
The Governor Moore APCO remarks reinforce the administration’s commitment to safety, with investments yielding tangible results in crime reduction and emergency response. As Maryland continues leading in NG911, these partnerships remain key to protecting communities.
