WilCo Emergency Communications becomes first triple-accredited center in Texas

As an accredited center of excellence in emergency medical dispatch, Williamson County Emergency Communications meets the academy’s highest level of standards, according to a county news release.

The award adds to two others that the emergency communications center has received—for emergency police dispatch and emergency fire dispatch. These three designations make the center the first in Texas and 32nd in the world to achieve a Tri-ACE distinction.

“These guys are amazing, [and] they have worked really hard,” Williamson County Emergency Communications Director Kate Wolf said. “We've done this through staffing crises and ... we've asked them to do so many things on top of maintaining standards for our citizens, and I couldn't be more proud of what they've done.”

What they’re saying

“It's great to have the certification, and it's great to be able to say that we're Tri-ACE, but it's really important because it gives us the ability to serve our community the way that they deserve to be served,” Rebecca Christensen, Williamson County Emergency Communications quality assurance and quality improvement supervisor, said. “They can call 911 knowing that they're going to get the best service possible.”

How it works

The distinctions of excellence for medical dispatch, police dispatch and fire dispatch are earned through an evaluation process that checks the center for adherence to international dispatch protocols, training standards and quality assurance practices, the news release states.