BALTIMORE — Every 911 specialist and support professional in Maryland is now eligible for a free membership in the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), under a new statewide partnership between the Maryland 9-1-1 Board and NENA.
Funded through the Maryland 9-1-1 Trust Fund, the initiative covers the cost of membership for individuals and local jurisdictions. The program is the first in the country to offer NENA membership to all emergency communications staff within a state, according to NENA.
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With membership, Maryland’s 911 professionals will have access to training programs, updated standards and a network of public safety peers. The goal is to support the people who take emergency calls and coordinate response efforts.
“This investment in our 911 professionals reflects our commitment to supporting the people who serve as Maryland’s first responders during emergencies,” said Ross Coates, chair of the Maryland Association of Counties Emergency Communications Committee and division chief for the Harford County 911 Center.
NENA membership includes:
- Online and in-person training to build and maintain core skills
- National standards and best practices that support consistency and reliability
- Updates on technology and trends in emergency communications
- A local and national network of 911 professionals
“By investing in statewide membership, Maryland is not only supporting its frontline workers, but also setting an example for other states to follow,” said Lee Ann Magoski, ENP, president of NENA.
Agency coordinators at each Maryland 911 center will help enroll staff. The membership program is the latest initiative supported by the Maryland 9-1-1 Trust Fund, which also funds training, technology upgrades and workforce development across the state.
