The Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee reconvened April 27 2026 at Maryland Department of Emergency Management headquarters in Hanover to set priorities for emergency communications across Maryland. The meeting focused on identifying voice and data capabilities revising the 2022 Maryland State Communications Interoperability Plan and advancing seamless coordination for first responders.
Maryland Department of Emergency Management Secretary Russ Strickland highlighted the importance of the effort. Todays meeting was another great step toward ensuring that interoperable public safety communications foster effective preparedness response and recovery activities. A resilient Maryland depends on our ability to communicate without barriers during emergencies and interoperability ensures that responders across agencies and jurisdictions can operate as one team making faster decisions and delivering coordinated support when it matters most. Through the work of the Statewide Interoperability Executive Committee and MDEM we are building a stronger more connected emergency response system for all Marylanders.
Governor Wes Moore signed Executive Order 01.01.2024.20 to reestablish the committee. It provides governance for public safety emergency communications interoperability and promotes efficient use of resources. The group now advances these goals through a 2026 work plan that includes updating the statewide plan.
Jack Markey MDEM Assistant Secretary and Statewide Interoperability Coordinator outlined next steps. The SIEC will launch the process to revise the 2022 Maryland State Communications Interoperability Plan. This process will develop strategic consensus recommendations to enhance public safety voice and data interoperability reduce costs and technical risks where possible and also increase reliability and effectiveness.
In Southern Maryland these statewide efforts directly support local emergency operations in St. Marys Calvert and Charles counties. St. Marys County maintains its own public safety radio system that integrates with Maryland FiRST the statewide 700 MHz trunked radio network used by more than 31000 primary first responders and over 87000 interoperable users. This connection allows seamless communication during incidents that cross county lines such as hurricanes flooding or multi agency responses along the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay.
Recent local progress includes St. Marys County transition to a NextGen P25 radio system and Calvert County Emergency Communications earning top international accreditation for its dispatch center. These advancements align with the SIEC goals of reducing barriers and improving reliability for rural and waterfront communities where cell service can be limited.
Operational communications serve as the backbone of emergency management. Responders from fire departments law enforcement emergency medical services and public works need clear reliable links especially in Southern Maryland where boating accidents severe storms and military operations at Naval Air Station Patuxent River require rapid multi jurisdiction coordination. The committee does not operate individual systems but ensures they connect effectively through standards like FirstNet broadband and Maryland FiRST radio.
Southern Maryland Interoperable Emergency Communications known as SMIEC has long facilitated this regional alignment. It connects local agencies with state and federal partners strengthening coverage in areas from Leonardtown to La Plata. During past events such as winter storms or water rescues these links proved critical for sharing real time information and deploying resources efficiently.
The revision of the 2022 plan will incorporate lessons from recent incidents and emerging technologies. It aims to lower costs minimize risks and boost effectiveness for all Marylanders including those in growing Southern Maryland communities facing increased development and climate related challenges. MDEM leads coordination among local state and federal partners without replacing county systems.
This work builds on years of investment in Maryland FiRST which now reaches every corner of the state including deep into Southern Maryland. First responders in St. Marys County for example can communicate directly with counterparts in Baltimore or Ocean City during large scale events. The SIEC meeting signals continued momentum to make these systems even more robust.
For Southern Maryland residents the benefits appear in faster emergency response times better preparedness for natural disasters and stronger support for daily public safety operations. Local leaders participate in statewide planning to ensure rural needs receive attention alongside urban priorities. As the committee updates the interoperability plan Southern Maryland voices will help shape recommendations that protect families and property across the region.
The initiative positions Maryland as a leader in public safety communications. By fostering collaboration it helps ensure that when emergencies strike responders work as one unified team regardless of jurisdiction. This directly enhances safety and resilience for communities in St. Marys Calvert Charles and beyond.
