FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 8, 2024

Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan
(301) 858-3134
Cheryl.Kagan@senate.state.md.us

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) After three people died in her district when 9-1-1 failed, Sen. Kagan began her legislative crusade to improve Maryland’s emergency response system. She established and chaired the Maryland NG911 Commission, preparing our State to transition to “Next Generation 9-1-1.” Her bipartisan legislation has adjusted the 9-1-1 fee; strengthened recruitment, training, and retention of 9-1-1 Specialists; enhanced geolocation accuracy; addressed cybersecurity and the dangerous practice of “swatting;” and much more. Twice named the national NG911 Government Leader of the Year, Sen. Kagan has spoken at national conferences and serves on a national 9-1-1 Board. As part of her continuous learning, Kagan made a commitment to visit all 24 of Maryland’s 9-1-1 Centers. On Thursday, she will accomplish her goal:

Thursday, October 10, 2024 11am

Calvert County 9-1-1 Center

(315 Stafford Rd, Prince Frederick, MD 20678)

Among her partners in public safety who will be in attendance are Secretary Russ Strickland (MD Department of Emergency Management); Jack Markey, Chair of the MD 9-1-1 Board; Dr. Christy Collins, Executive Director of the 9-1-1 Board; Kevin Kinnally, Legislative Director for the Maryland Association of Counties; and John Chiaramonte, President of Mission Critical Partners.

According to MDEM Secretary Secretary Strickland, “Senator Kagan has been an invaluable partner in improving 9-1-1 across Maryland and is recognized as a leader on the issue nationally. Over my 50+ years of public safety service, I’ve rarely had the opportunity to work with a legislator who has so diligently and fervently advocated for the 9-1-1 system.”

“Senator Kagan knows that it takes partnerships to make progress,” says Jack Markey, “She has personally visited all of Maryland’s 9-1-1 centers… often with her colleagues. Thanks to her leadership, we are at the forefront of shifting to Next Generation 9-1-1.”

Sen. Kagan has previously visited the other 23 PSAPs:

• Charles County: September 2016
• Frederick County: September 2016 (with Sen. Michael Hough)
• Baltimore City: September 2016
• Kent County: November 2016 (with Sen. Steve Hershey)
• Prince George’s County: February 2017 (with Sens. Doug Peters & Paul Pinsky)
• Harford County: August 2017 (with Sen. Bob Cassilly)
• Caroline County: October 2017
• Dorchester County: December 2017
• Anne Arundel County: March 2018 (with NG911 partner Sen. Ed Reilly)
• Worcester County: August 2018 (with Sen. Jim Matthias)
• Howard County: August 2018
• Montgomery County: September 2018 (with many Senate colleagues)
• Carroll County: September 2018
• Baltimore County: September 2018 (with Sen. Kathy Klausmeier)
• Cecil County: December 2018 (with Sen. Jason Gallion)
• Talbot County: January 2019
• Somerset County: June 2019
• Queen Anne’s County: September 2022
• Washington County: October 2022 (with NG911 partner Del. Sue Krebs)
• St. Mary’s County: November 2022 (with Sen. Jack Bailey)
• Wicomico County: May 2023 (with Sen. Mary Beth Carozza)
• Allegany County: July 2024 (with Sen. Mike McKay)
• Garrett County: July 2024 (with Sen. Mike McKay)

MACo’s Kinnally commends Kagan’s efforts as well: “Senator Kagan’s hands-on engagement with county 9-1-1 centers and unwavering advocacy reflect a deep commitment to safeguarding our communities. MACo deeply values her partnership in delivering a safer, more resilient statewide emergency response network.”

Maryland has become a national leader on NG911, but there is more work to be done. Sen. Kagan will continue to consult with experts and sponsor legislation to strengthen Maryland’s public safety laws.

“I have learned so much about our State’s 9-1-1 Centers,” said Sen. Kagan, “There is great diversity across our 24 jurisdictions, and I have seen firsthand how each is protecting us. I hope that our work means that no family will ever grieve a lost loved one after 9-1-1 fails.”

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