COLUMBUS, Ohio (July 2025) — Governor Mike DeWine announced today that Ross and Pickaway counties will be among 15 newly selected counties to begin implementing Ohio’s Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) system—technology designed to significantly improve how emergency services respond across the state.
The announcement marks the next step in a multi-year statewide initiative to modernize Ohio’s emergency call systems, ensuring faster response times, better location accuracy, and more options for contacting help in a crisis. Ross and Pickaway counties are now moving forward with onboarding, joining ten counties that have already successfully implemented the advanced system.
“Next Generation 9-1-1 is a game-changer for public safety,” said Governor DeWine. “When seconds count, this technology ensures help arrives faster and more efficiently. I’m proud that Ross and Pickaway counties are among the next group leading this expansion.”
What NG9-1-1 Means for Ross & Pickaway Counties
Once operational, residents in Ross and Pickaway counties will be able to:
- Text 911 during emergencies
- Use smartwatches and wearables to call for help
- Share precise GPS location from mobile devices
- Experience fewer call transfers between jurisdictions
These upgrades reduce delays and improve emergency coordination—especially critical for rural and growing communities like those in southern Ohio.
“This upgrade will have a real impact here at home,” said a Ross County public safety official. “From medical emergencies in rural areas to fast coordination with police and fire departments, NG9-1-1 will save lives in Ross County.”
Statewide Push, Local Progress
The Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) is overseeing the rollout, which has already logged more than 44,000 calls in ten pilot counties. A recent success story in Washington County—a pilot participant—reported a 42.7% decrease in misrouted emergency calls, thanks to the system’s smarter routing.
Ross and Pickaway counties join 13 others beginning the NG9-1-1 onboarding process this year:
- Allen
- Belmont
- Fairfield
- Guernsey
- Hardin
- Hocking
- Jackson
- Jefferson
- Marion
- Muskingum
- Noble
- Perry
- Vinton
The state has invested $62 million over the past two budget cycles to support the buildout of NG9-1-1 infrastructure, technical assistance, and training.
Looking Ahead
Counties not yet on NG9-1-1 have up to five years to migrate. The Ohio 911 Program Office encourages early onboarding to maximize benefits.
“Thanks to the leadership of Governor DeWine and the collaboration with local agencies, this system is quickly becoming the new standard for emergency response across Ohio,” said Andy Wilson, Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.
The state is also working to fully integrate the Ohio State Highway Patrol and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources into the system, broadening its reach to serve both urban and rural communities effectively.
For Ross and Pickaway counties, the implementation of NG9-1-1 marks not just a technology upgrade, but a major step forward in protecting residents and first responders alike.
