More than 20 ECCs set to go live with ASAP

Within the next several months, the following ECCs serving over 8 million in population are expected to go live.

  • Brevard County, FL – ~644K population
  • Oklahoma City, OK – ~709K population
  • St. Joseph County, IN – ~272K population
  • Montgomery County, MD – ~1.09M population
  • Cleveland, OH – ~362K population
  • Galveston, TX – ~370K population
  • Louisville, KY – ~750K population
  • Arlington County, VA – ~240K population
  • Mesquite, TX – ~147K population
  • Delaware County, NY – ~44K population
  • Alexandria, VA – ~159K population
  • Rochester-Olmstead County, MN – ~166K population
  • Burlingame, CA – ~36K population
  • Sangamon County, IL – ~198K population
  • Montgomery County, TN – ~239K population
  • Shelby County, TN – ~910K population
  • Bartlett City, TN – ~57K population
  • Central County, MO – ~703K population
  • Paducah McCraken, KY – ~67K population
  • LakeComm, IL – ~709K population
  • St. Mary’s County, MD – ~113K population
  • Peoria, IL – ~125K population

Learn more about TMA’s ASAP service at https://asap911.org/.

 

Support Local NV Women in Need at ISC West

Join the SIA Women in Security Forum and the broader security industry in supporting Dress for Success Southern Nevada, an organization that empowers women to build careers and achieve financial independence by providing job‑ready clients with professional interview and work attire.

You can help by donating gently used professional clothing, accessories, and unopened hygiene or makeup items at the SIA booth during ISC West.

Together, we can make a meaningful impact and open doors for women.

Osceola County, FL, Launches ASAP Service

Osceola County, located within the Orlando metropolitan area, announced that it is now live with Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) Service, a technology that automates alarm notifications and significantly reduces the burden on 911 telecommunicators in the county’s emergency communications center (ECC). This results in faster and more accurate emergency response.

In 2025, the ECC handled more than 12,000 alarm notifications. With the implementation of ASAP, the center is expected to save telecommunicators between 33 and 133 hours each month – time that can be redirected to higher-priority emergency calls. ASAP also reduces the potential for miscommunication between the ECC and alarm-monitoring centers by delivering more accurate information from the outset. Together, these improvements support improved telecommunicator performance — helping to reduce stress and burnout while enhancing public-safety outcomes.

“Our agency decided to implement ASAP Service to reduce the volume of alarm-related calls that must be handled manually by our telecommunicators,” said Christopher A. Blackmon, Osceola County Sheriff.

Typically, alarm notifications require multiple voice calls between ECC and alarm-monitoring center personnel to enable telecommunicators to capture the information needed to make dispatch decisions. Such exchanges add an average of six to eight minutes to response times. “Shifting alarm notifications to an automated system enables our telecommunicators to dedicate more of their time and attention to higher-priority emergency calls, ultimately improving overall operational efficiency and enhancing public safety within our community,” Blackmon said.

Osceola County joins a growing number of U.S. public-safety agencies that are leveraging ASAP. Mission Critical Partners (MCP) led the implementation effort, working closely with Osceola County to achieve deployment. Implementation was completed in partnership with Motorola, which has embedded the capability into the county’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system.

As of go-live, the following alarm-monitoring companies are transmitting alarm notifications via ASAP Service to Osceola County’s ECC: Rapid Response, Vector Security, Security Central, Guardian Protection, Tyco/JCI, Securitas, United Central Control, Quick Response, Everon/Protection One, Alert 360, National Monitoring Center, Affiliated Monitoring, Vivint, Brinks Home, and ADT.

Learn more about how TMA’s ASAP Service is saving lives every day nationwide at www.ASAP911.org.

Newman Joins TMA as New Director of Strategic Growth & Membership

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce the addition of Evan Newman to its team as Director of Strategic Growth & Membership. In this newly created role, Newman will lead strategic efforts to grow, engage, and retain TMA’s membership, bringing more than 10 years of membership and marketing experience to further support the association’s growth and commitment to the monitoring and security industry. Today is Newman’s first day at TMA.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to step into this new role with TMA. Throughout my association career, I’ve learned that a rising tide lifts all ships,” stated Newman. “TMA’s strategic focus on growth is what drew me to this role, and I look forward to collaborating with current and future members, as well as industry stakeholders, to drive sustainable growth that strengthens the association’s long-term impact on the industry.”

“Evan joins our team at a pivotal moment for the association,” commented TMA CEO Whitney A. Doll. “His strong foundation and demonstrated leadership in organizational growth and member engagement position us well as we build momentum and expand our impact in the months and years ahead.”

In addition to leading TMA’s membership growth, Newman will also focus on advancing the organization’s programs and revenue initiatives inclusive of the promotion and sales of member programs, services, and sponsorship opportunities. He will also represent TMA at industry events to expand partnerships and visibility.

Newman brings more than 10 years of progressive experience in association membership and business marketing to his position at TMA. Most recently, Newman served as senior manager of membership at the Snow and Ice Management Association where he led membership marketing and strategic planning and oversaw the recruitment of new members and education prospects. Before that, he worked at Practice Greenhealth and the Ohio Trucking Association. Mr. Newman earned his Bachelor of Science, Communication Studies & Marketing from West Liberty University and his Master of Business Administration, Project Management from Louisiana State University at Shreveport.

Newman can be contacted by email at enewman@tma.us or by phone at (703) 660-4918.

TMA Mourns the Passing of Past President Bob Bean

TMA learned of the passing of it much beloved Past President Robert Bean on Friday, November 21st. He leaves a lasting legacy as a business leader whose generosity uplifted colleagues, inspired innovation, and opened doors for others. His unwavering commitment to serving his community reflects a life defined not just by success, but by the positive impact he made on everyone around him.

In presenting Bob with one of TMA’s highest honors, the Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award, in 2021, then President Don Young, commented, “Two words that epitomized Stan Lott’s character are integrity and dedication. These words, likewise, can be attributed to this year’s award winner today. As chair of the Membership Committee, the award winner was a driving force to increase TMA membership, including international members. Countless hours were devoted to TMA’s interests in ESX, which served as TMA’s Mid-year Meeting for a number of years. He is truly all that Stanley Lott represented.”

In accepting his award via Zoom, Bean, full of emotion, remarked, “I am humbled. This is the highest honor that TMA can bestow on any member. Putting me in the category along with the other previous honorees is definitely humbling. I thank TMA very much for this great award.”

Bean sponsored the TMA board dinner for many years, first through his company and in later years personally. During his tenure as TMA President, he purchased a home in New Jersey so he could be closer to TMA staff in Virginia.

Additional information will be shared here as it becomes available.

TMA Welcomes New Chief of Staff

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Franklin to the organization’s newly created position of Chief of Staff. An accomplished association professional with nearly 20 years of experience, Franklin’s talents span event planning, operations, and customer service. Franklin’s first day at TMA is Mon., Nov. 24th.

“I am honored to step into this pivotal new role at TMA,” commented Franklin. “This role presents an exciting opportunity to work closely with the association’s leadership and help drive the initiatives that advance TMA’s mission. I look forward to working closely with our members and stakeholders to enhance the value we deliver and to support the continued growth and impact of the association and the industry.”

TMA CEO Whitney A. Doll said, “Jessica brings a unique combination of talents and skills to our team at TMA. She is an outstanding leader who has consistently demonstrated the ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels. Her energy and commitment to service excellence will be an asset to TMA as we look to future growth.”

As Chief of Staff, Franklin will serve as a strategic advisor and thought partner to the CEO and provide cross-functional collaboration and project management. Additionally, she will lead the planning and execution of TMA meetings and events, including the Mid-Year Meeting, Annual Meeting, OPSTech, and other TMA-sponsored receptions, dinners, and events.

Franklin can be contacted by email at jfranklin@tma.us or by phone at (703) 660-4917.

TMA has an exciting new leadership opportunity!

We’re seeking a strategic, results-oriented Director of Strategic Growth & Membership to lead our membership, sponsorship, and business development initiatives.

This highly visible role is central to driving organizational growth — expanding our membership base, deepening member engagement, and increasing non-dues revenue through sponsorships and product sales.

The ideal candidate is a confident relationship-builder with a proven track record in membership development, sales, and sponsor cultivation. We’re looking for a proactive, people-focused leader energized by the opportunity to engage with industry leaders and help shape the future of a growing association.

If you’re passionate about growth, connection, and impact — we’d love to hear from you!

View the full position description at:

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to wdoll@tma.us.

Alan Gillmore, IV Assumes Presidency of The Monitoring Association

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is proud to announce that Alan Gillmore, IV, President of Gillmore Security, has been appointed as TMA’s 38th President. Gillmore assumed the role at the conclusion of TMA’s 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting, held on Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, in Palm Springs, California.

A long-time volunteer and dedicated leader within TMA, Gillmore has served in numerous leadership capacities over the years, most recently as Co-Chair of the Membership Committee. His commitment to member engagement, innovation, and industry advancement has made a lasting impact on the association and its initiatives.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be chosen to lead TMA’s growth, innovation, and collaboration efforts over the next two years,” said Gillmore. “TMA is the industry leader in education, standards development, and thought leadership. I am eager to advance these areas while finding new avenues for growth and modernization. I look forward to working with the TMA Board and staff to continue our legacy of excellence and support our great industry, which has given us all so much.”

Outgoing TMA President Steve Butkovich praised Gillmore’s leadership and vision, noting his long-standing dedication to the association and the industry at large.

“Alan’s deep understanding of our industry and his proven leadership within TMA make him the ideal person to guide our association into the future,” said Butkovich. “His strategic mindset and collaborative spirit will undoubtedly take TMA to new heights as we continue to evolve and serve our members in an ever-changing environment.”

As President, Gillmore will focus on advancing TMA’s mission and strengthening its role as a thought leader in the monitoring and security industry. His priorities for the coming term include:

  • Membership growth and expansion, including outreach into new vertical markets
  • Supporting and expanding the ASAP Service initiative
  • Enhancing collaboration and alignment with other industry associations
  • Driving standards development and promoting adoption of existing standards such as AVS-01
  • Fostering thought leadership and education to help the industry navigate a rapidly changing landscape

Learn more about President Gillmore and his vision for TMA in the next issue of TMA Dispatch.

Hertel, Martini, and Prendergast honored with top TMA Awards at 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting

TMA President Steve Butkovich honored the outstanding contributions of three individuals last week in at the 2025 TMA 75th Anniversary Annual Meeting in Palm Springs, CA.

On Mon., Oct. 6th, at the General Membership Meeting, Butkovich presented the 2025 Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award to AICC legal counsel John Prendergast, managing partner, Blooston, Mordkofsky, Dickens & Prendergast, LLP, in recognition of his unwavering advocacy efforts on behalf of AICC and TMA members. The Stanley C. Lott Memorial Award, established in 1991 to honor its namesake, a dedicated leader and past president, recognizes exceptional long-term TMA leadership and support.

Prendergast expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, “I am deeply honored to win the Stan Lott award, especially given the outstanding people that have won it before me; and I have been privileged to have worked with all of the dedicated and professional TMA members and staff, past and present, that have made representing the alarm industry so rewarding.”

Also presented at the General Business Meeting, former APCO President Stephen Martini, ENP. CPE, director, Metro Nashville Dept. of Emergency Communications, received the 2025 Public Sector Award. This special honor, established in 2015, is presented by TMA to a public safety professional whose contributions have supported the monitoring industry’s mission to protect and save life and property. Martini has been a longtime champion for TMA’s ASAP Service.

“I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition. The work TMA is doing with the ASAP Program is saving time, saving lives, and reducing workloads on emergency communications professionals,” said Martini. “This commitment to the public we serve and the professionals we depend on to carry out this no-fail mission is critical to the success of public safety response for the next decade.”

On Wed., Oct. 8th, at the closing Gala Dinner, Butkovich presented the 2025 Mel Mahler Award to Morgan Hertel, Rapid Response Monitoring Services Inc. The Mel Mahler Award is presented at the discretion of the TMA president in recognition of outstanding contributions within his/her tenure. Hertel has served as a volunteer leader for decades, contributing his knowledge, experience, and expertise to the TMA community.

“Thank you. I am truly honored to receive this recognition. I have always believed that active participation in our industry associations is not just beneficial, but essential for our collective success,” shared Hertel. “The Monitoring Association is, without a doubt, the most important organization in our industry. This achievement is not mine alone. It is built upon the foundation laid by those who came before me, and it is shared with the dedicated leaders who will follow. It is through this collaborative spirit that we are able to achieve such meaningful results.”

Stark County, Ohio, Deploys ASAP Service Across Multiple Emergency Communications Centers to Reduce Alarm-Notification Delays