The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications team has made yet another monumental achievement, being named an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for the use of its Emergency Medical Dispatch protocol by The International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).

With this achievement, Cobb County DEC becomes the 351st Medical ACE in the world. This recognition comes just months after the Cobb County DEC team became the 33rd Police ACE in the world.

The IAED’s ACE credential represents the highest distinction for emergency communication centers, certifying that they meet or exceed global standards for best practices in emergency response.

“Earning ACE status is no small feat,” said DEC Director Melissa Alterio. “It means that our center meets the highest standards of emergency medical dispatch, ensuring that every call we handle is done with precision, professionalism, and lifesaving care.” 

The road to ACE status was a collaborative effort of the DEC’s Training and Quality Assurance Unit and Operations Division. The entire team played a vital role in achieving this milestone. Their collective efforts exemplify the DEC team’s commitment to excellence.

Reflecting on the impact of this milestone, Director Alterio stated, “This achievement is not just a badge of honor- it is a testament to who we are as a team and as public safety professionals. It instills pride in our department, our profession, and our team, proving once again that Cobb County 911 is a leader in emergency communications.”

Achieving ACE status required the DEC to meet IAED’s 20 Points of Accreditation, including strong local oversight, a rigorous quality assurance process, and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement. The IAED’s Priority Dispatch System is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch and is used in over 3,500 emergency communications centers across 46 countries.

Cobb County DEC will be recognized at the 2025 Navigator Conference in Orlando, Florida, and will receive an accreditation plaque commemorating their achievement.