Achievers & Accolades

Cumberland County Emergency Services maintains Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence accreditation

By Staff Report, posted 1 hour ago
The Board of Commissioners recognized Cumberland County Emergency Services for maintaining the Emergency Medical Dispatch Center of Excellence accreditation through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED) on Monday, Oct. 5, 2026. Emergency Services was also recognized for the elite designation of a Tri-ACE, which requires continued accreditation in Emergency Police Dispatch and Emergency Fire Dispatch. Pictured from left are Commissioner Henry Tyson, Certified Training Officer Natasha Champagne, Telecommunicator III Telise “Gail” Chavis, Telecommunications Manager Adam Johnson, Assistant Telecommunications Manager Sheena Craver and Emergency Services Director Garry Crumpler.

Cumberland County Emergency Services’ 911 Communications Center has maintained its status as the world’s 21st Medical Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE), a distinction held only by a small number of emergency communication centers worldwide.

The renewed accreditation confirms that the County’s 911 division continues to meet the highest international standards for emergency medical dispatch. Emergency calls are handled using evidence-based protocols, rigorous quality assurance processes and highly trained telecommunicators whose work directly improves and supports patient outcomes.

Maintaining Medical ACE accreditation demonstrates the County’s commitment to excellence in emergency communications and exceptional service across fire, medical and police emergencies.

The County’s 911 Communications Center is triple accredited by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), a designation that requires continued accreditation in Emergency Police Dispatch, Emergency Fire Dispatch and Emergency Medical Dispatch. The center first achieved Triple Accreditation in 2020 and has maintained this status continuously since its initial appointment.

Accredited centers demonstrate a commitment to providing superior public care and the effective use of resources to create optimal outcomes in public emergencies. The accreditation process requires an agency to conduct an intensive self-assessment based on rigorous standards, followed by an on-site evaluation by the IAED. Agencies recognized as Accredited Centers of Excellence adhere to industry best practices that promote standardized care, superior professionalism and the monitoring of response times throughout the call process.

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