
Marietta, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has announced that Washington and Monroe counties are the first in the state to fully implement the Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) system. This technological advancement is a key priority in the governor’s 2024-2025 Executive Budget and aims to improve emergency response efficiency and save lives.
Improved Emergency Services with NG9-1-1
Governor DeWine emphasized the critical impact of the new system, stating, “Every second counts when we are talking about saving lives. Next Generation 9-1-1 makes emergency services more efficient, especially in the rural areas of Ohio where it is critical to have strong and reliable communication infrastructure.” The new system introduces advanced communication features that allow residents to reach emergency services not only through voice calls but also via text messaging.
NG9-1-1 significantly enhances emergency management by reducing the number of call transfers between 9-1-1 call centers. With improved caller location tracking for mobile users, emergency responders can be dispatched more quickly and accurately. Early data collected from Washington County demonstrates the system’s effectiveness; between December 18 and December 22, nearly 37% of emergency calls were routed directly to the appropriate 9-1-1 center, eliminating unnecessary call transfers and improving response times.
Expanding the System Across Ohio
Washington and Monroe counties are part of a pilot program that includes a total of ten counties transitioning to NG9-1-1. Other counties joining the initiative include Athens, Carroll, Champaign, Columbiana, Hardin, Harrison, Morgan, and Union counties. The project aims to modernize emergency services statewide by integrating enhanced capabilities that meet the evolving needs of the public.
Ohio’s Fiscal Year 2024-2025 operating budget has allocated $46 million to cover infrastructure costs associated with the implementation of NG9-1-1. The Ohio 9-1-1 Program Office, housed within the Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), is overseeing the program’s rollout. The office is responsible for coordinating efforts among state, federal, regional, and local safety officials to ensure a smooth transition to the new system.
Future Plans and Expectations
“The DeWine Administration’s leadership was critical to getting this migration moving, and we’ve been incredibly pleased to work with our partners to start bringing Next Generation 9-1-1 to life in Ohio,” said DAS Director Kathleen C. Madden.
The statewide implementation of NG9-1-1 is expected to be completed by spring 2025. Counties that have not yet made the transition will have a five-year window to fully migrate to the new system. Once fully implemented, NG9-1-1 is expected to provide Ohio residents with a more reliable and efficient emergency communication network.