Governor Wes Moore Highlights Maryland’s Public Safety Communications Success at APCO 2025 Conference

The Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO) proudly welcomed Maryland Governor Wes Moore to the APCO International Conference in Baltimore, where he recognized the vital role of emergency communications professionals in safeguarding communities and driving down violent crime across the state.

Governor Moore emphasized the significance of strong partnerships in public safety, especially in light of Maryland’s coordinated response to crises such as the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the state’s continued success in reducing violent crime.

“Partnership produces progress, and we need partnership now more than ever,” said Governor Moore. “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 strategy to public safety, investing significantly in law enforcement and emergency communications. As a result, Maryland has recorded the lowest levels of homicides and non-fatal shootings in a decade. Baltimore City is on pace to experience its lowest annual homicide count in nearly ten years.

Central to this progress is Maryland’s $133 million investment in upgrading its 9-1-1 infrastructure, enabling Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) capabilities across 974 local projects. Maryland now leads the nation in implementing i3-standard NG911 session transfer technology, enhancing situational awareness and response effectiveness.

The Maryland 9-1-1 Board continues to strengthen the state’s public safety communications workforce through robust training and wellness programs. This includes deployment of Protocol 41, the first-ever emergency dispatch protocol for suicide risk intervention, and additional resources to support Maryland’s 1,500 licensed 9-1-1 specialists. In 2024, these specialists managed over 3.8 million emergency calls statewide.

Founded in 1935, APCO is the world’s largest organization dedicated to public safety communications, serving over 40,000 members who support emergency communications for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and more.

At this year’s conference, the Maryland 9-1-1 Board—led by Chair Scott Haas and Executive Director Dr. Christy Collins—partnered with local emergency communications centers to host a recruitment table, promoting careers in emergency communications and engaging the next generation of public safety professionals.