Maryland

Walter “Pete” Landon, Director of Homeland Security and Chief of Staff for Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, spent decades in law enforcement and saw the evolution of technology and communications. In his roles, he advocates for enhancing public safety communications and bringing advanced tools to first responders.

The tragedies of 9/11 underscored fundamental problems with communication systems used by our nation’s first responders. In the 20 years since 9/11, technology has changed rapidly. Fortunately, dedicated public safety broadband offered by FirstNet is providing fire departments with powerful new capabilities and modernizing their communications.

The ability to communicate is critical in an emergency for public safety.

First responders in Allegany County, Maryland, received improved communications with the launch of new FirstNet cell sites.

A new FirstNet cell site was turned on in Dorchester County, Maryland, on the property of the Neck District Volunteer Fire Company. The site brings enhanced connectivity and communications to public safety in the region.

Allegany County's first responders got another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.

Dorchester County’s first responders got another major boost in their wireless communications thanks to the FirstNet network expansion currently underway by AT&T.   

The Baltimore Police Department is the largest public safety agency in Maryland on FirstNet. With department-issued smartphones, laptops, and in-vehicle routers and modems connected to the network, officers have reliable access to the tools they need. And in-building solutions ensure that coverage reaches officers throughout all police facilities.

Public safety K9s can be trained for a wide range of services, from search and rescue to bomb and drug detection. These dogs work across urban, rural, wilderness, and disaster settings, and can sometimes end up a mile away from their handler. As technology advances, handlers are exploring ways technology – such as trackers and live-streaming cameras – can enhance K9 operations, keep dogs and handlers safe, and improve situational awareness and mission success.    

From coast to coast, FirstNet is helping those charged with coordination of the vaccine distribution across America to stop the spread of COVID-19. Through innovative solutions, public safety agencies, local and state governments, and healthcare organizations using FirstNet are helping to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine efficiently and effectively.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) was formed to provide a forum for jurisdictions in the National Capital Region to discuss regional challenges and develop cooperative solutions. The Interoperable Communications Regional Working Group within COG aims to enhance communications for public safety and is addressing policy and governance challenges for issues and systems that have an impact on all jurisdictions, such as FirstNet.  

First responders in Maryland got another major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites.

Buses taking students to and from schools in Carroll County, Maryland are now equipped with FirstNet. With these advanced communication capabilities, the fleet can stay in touch with school headquarters at all times, enhancing the safety and security of students. 

Carroll County Public Schools in Maryland are utilizing BusPatrol to ensure the safety of their students. The program, which utilizes FirstNet’s dedicated public safety network, helps to deter illegal passing of stopped school buses.

A new cell site in the state of Maryland will bring improved coverage to first responders in the city of Waldorf. The new site is part of the FirstNet network’s expanding infrastructure for the state.

A new cell site in Earleville, Maryland, brings improved coverage to the first responders of Cecil County. The new site is part of the FirstNet network’s expanding infrastructure for the state.

The FirstNet Authority’s Public Safety Advocacy team proactively reaches out to public safety to discuss FirstNet and elicit feedback and insight regarding their communication needs for public safety broadband and innovative technologies. In the East region, the team includes seven public safety advisors covering a geographically diverse region of 19 states.

Maryland’s first responders are got a major boost in their wireless communications with the addition of new, purpose-built FirstNet cell sites and other network enhancements statewide. The sites help Maryland’s first responders connect to the critical information they need – every day and in every emergency.

Maryland first responders serve a variety of geographies and industries — from crabbing, boating, and tourism on the Eastern Shore to the trade that flows through the port of Baltimore to the high-