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Maryland Department of Emergency Management

Maryland 9-1-1 Board Recognizes Excellence in Service Delivery

Event Recognized 21 Maryland 9-1-1 Specialists in the State Delivering Exceptional Service

OCEAN CITY, Md. (Oct. 16, 2025) — The Maryland 9-1-1 Board hosted its annual day of celebration yesterday evening, at the Grand Hotel Ballroom in Ocean City.   Senator Cheryl Kagan delivered the keynote address following remarks by Secretary Russ Strickland of the Maryland Department of Emergency Management.  Twenty public safety telecommunicators were awarded the Telecommunicator of the Year award and Kelsie Spealman of Cecil County was awarded the Marilyn Farndon Excellence in Training Award, presented by Maryland 9-1-1 Board Chair Scott Haas and Vice Chair Tammy Price. 

“We are incredibly proud of the professionals who work tirelessly to protect Marylanders and support our communities during times of crisis,” said Secretary Strickland. He continued, “These are extremely important and rewarding careers and we are excited to see this field continue to grow. We are deeply grateful for the selfless role they play and enthusiastically congratulate them on their recognition.”

The annual ceremony honors Maryland’s 9-1-1 telecommunicators and celebrates excellence in 9-1-1 service delivery and training, essential components for effective emergency response. The celebration also recognizes the demanding and life-saving work that is performed by 9-1-1 specialists on a daily basis. “Our 9-1-1 Specialists and our entire emergency system might be the most invisible government employees, and among our most essential,” said Maryland State Senator Cheryl C. Kagan. “We must ensure that they are acknowledged, supported, and provided with the very best technology and training. I am proud to celebrate these courageous women and men through the Day of Celebration.”

Maryland 9-1-1 telecommunicators are the first voices that callers hear during a crisis, and well-trained telecommunicators provide crucial, life-saving instructions and coordinate faster emergency responses. This ceremony recognizes the importance of high-quality training for these professionals to perform at the highest level. 

The Telecommunicator of the Year Award recognizes individuals who exemplify superior service delivery and training. This year’s recipients were:

  • Sarah Braithwaite, Allegany County 
  • Kerrie Cooper, Anne Arundel County
  • Jolanda Ellison, Anne Arundel County
  • Anna Richmond, Baltimore County
  • Kaylee Oldewurtel, Baltimore County
  • Sarah Hugel, Calvert County
  • Monique Mills, Carroll County
  • Kelsie Spealman, Cecil County
  • Zachary Timchula, Cecil County
  • John Hackley, Charles County
  • Trisha Rogerson, Charles County
  • Andrea Bellevou, Charles County
  • Vincent Houchin, Charles County
  • Sharde Curley, Charles County
  • Brittany Busche, Frederick County
  • Valerie Cromer, Howard County
  • Riyan Anjum, Montgomery County
  • Lt. Michelle Miller, Queen Anne’s County
  • Edward Dillon, Queen Anne’s County
  • Cory Holm, Queen Anne’s County
  • Dale Whitby, Queen Anne’s County
  • Amanda Frock. Somerset County
  • Christy Coffey, St. Mary’s County
  • Hannah Ward, Talbot County

Kelsie Spealman, from Cecil County, received The Marilyn Farndon Excellence in Training. This award honors Marilyn Farndon’s legacy as the founding Executive Director who created Maryland’s first certified 9-1-1 training program. It recognizes instructors who advance standardized, high-quality training across the state for 9-1-1 professionals.

Maryland 9-1-1 centers are actively hiring telecommunicators, statewide. Additionally, experienced professionals can become instructors, shaping the next generation of telecommunicators. Learn more about the rewarding careers and growth opportunities at 911.maryland.gov/pages/careers.  

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