Get Ready to Be Charmed
By Captain Scott Brillman
Originally published in the July/August 2019 issue of APCO’s PSC magazine.
For access to PSC magazine and more articles like this one, please log in or become an APCO member.
Welcome to Charm City, Baltimore! We are so excited to host the greatest emergency communications and 9-1-1 professionals in the world. Baltimore will charm you with our beautiful inner harbor and waterfront, historic and quirky neighborhoods, unique museums and restaurants, and amazing attractions and monuments. Baltimore is Maryland’s largest city and economic hub. It boasts a rich exciting history and is home to America’s Star Spangled Banner.
Did you know Baltimore is the City of Firsts? First professional sports organization in the U.S., first post office system, first water company, first warship to capture an enemy vessel, first fort built by the U.S. government, first gas light company, first YMCA, first candy factory and dozens more firsts!
History
Two hundred years later, Baltimore continues the tradition of operating the busiest 9-1-1 and emergency communications systems in the state of Maryland. Much like 1812, it is the efforts of our emergency 9-1-1 spe- cialists, our public safety telecommunicators and our “first of the first responders,” that make emergency communications a success.
Get Ready to Explore
Surrounded by water and historic ships, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is just the beginning. The National Aquarium features more than 16,000 animals — from sharks to a giant sea turtle, while the Maryland Science Center’s highlights include two-story dinosaurs and interactive exhibits to keep the kids busy. The Inner Harbor is studded with museums, ships, restaurants, bars, shopping and other activities to appeal to all interests. Stroll around, relax and enjoy the water, or set sail on a cruise to enjoy the sights.
Take a water taxi everywhere. Eat crabs! Rent a kayak or boat. Watch a baseball game at Cam- den Yards. Climb the Washing- ton Monument in Mount Vernon (The first monument dedicated to George Washington in the U.S.). Get amazed by the Peabody Library (the most beautiful library in the world). Visit Under Amour’s Global Headquarters. Explore the Fort Henry National Monument. Stop at dozens of Breweries. Walk up Federal Hill. Visit the Star-Spangled Banner Flag house. Travel to the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum. Experience the American Visionary Art Museum, the Reginald Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture, the Babe Ruth Museum and The Waters Art Museum.
Just a short trip away at the Maryland Zoo you can meet more than 1,500 animals, including chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and warthogs as they journey on an African safari; groom goats in the farmyard; explore the winding trails through the Maryland Wilderness; and watch the polar bears swim next to you at the underwater viewing window. Plus, don’t miss the new, award-winning Penguin Coast exhibit featuring the most successful breeding colony of endangered African penguins in North America.
So Much Food and Nightlife
Baltimore is among America’s most historic cities, but you won’t be disappointed by its restaurants and nightlife. Explore the Italian culture of Little Italy and move on to the waterfront music and restaurants in Fells Point, the seafood in Harbor East and the nightlife in Federal Hill. If shopping is your thing see the shops in Hamden. Don’t miss the historic square in Canton, the Speak Easy Owl bar at the Belvedere Hotel. Take a tour at the Sagamore Spirit Distillery and ride a bull at Power Plant Live downtown. Take off your shoes at the Sand Lot or listen to some cool jazz at the new Keystone Korner Jazz Club.
Get ready to be charmed! From historic landmarks and harbor cruises to family friendly attractions and fabulous neighbor- hoods, Charm City is one of the top tourist destinations in the United States. You’re going to have so much fun!
Captain Scott Brillman is the 9-1-1 Director for the City of Baltimore. He is devoted to the emergency communications profession and the incredible public safety professionals that save lives every day. Scott is also a huge dog lover and would rescue all of them if he could. Scott adores Baltimore, so if you have any questions while you’re here or need advice, come say hi at APCO 2019!
