Seminole County Fire Dept. Earns International Recognition for Dispatch Excellence: ACE Accreditation

 The Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD) announced its Emergency Communications Center has received Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) accreditation from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).
 
The ACE accreditation is the highest recognition awarded to emergency communications centers and reflects SCFD’s commitment to delivering the highest quality emergency call-taking and dispatch services to the community. The designation is granted only to agencies that demonstrate exceptional performance, strong oversight, and a data-driven approach to continuous improvement.
 
SCFD is now one of about 65 fire departments nationwide to earn the distinction.
 
In addition, SCFD is now the only fire department in the state to simultaneously hold ISO 1 classification, International Fire Accreditation, Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance (CAAS) and ACE accreditation. Last year, SCFD’s Dispatch handled nearly 127,000 calls and averaged 350 calls per day, with 98% answered in 10 seconds or less.
 
“We are incredibly honored to receive this accreditation from the IAED,” said Chairman Andria Herr of the Seminole County Board of County Commissioners. “This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our emergency communications personnel in ensuring that those in need receive prompt and effective assistance during emergencies.”
 
“The IAED accreditation process is a rigorous one, and our dispatch team has worked diligently to meet those standards,” said Seminole County Fire Chief Matt Kinley. “This achievement is the embodiment of hard work, quality control and a commitment to data-drive continuous improvement.”
 
The SCFD Emergency Communications Center is staffed by 39 highly trained professionals who provide accurate, timely emergency response.  Established in 1974, the Communications Center has preserved a culture of continuous improvement. SCFD Fire personnel regularly rotate through Communications Center for job shadowing to gain operational insight, while dispatchers participate in station ride-alongs to better understand field response procedures.
 
SCFD is a recognized leader in emergency services excellence, holding multiple accreditations including ISO Class 1 from the Insurance Service Office, accreditation Accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CFAI), and the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS) gold standard of excellence. The ACE accreditation further strengthens the Department’s commitment to providing the highest quality of fire and EMS services.
 
“Our team is dedicated to serving the community with the highest level of professionalism, precision and compassion,” said Keri Troyano, SCFD Program Manager for Emergency Communications. “The ACE accreditation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone in our Communications Center.”
IAED is a non-profit organization that establishes global standards for emergency medical, fire and police dispatch services.
 
While more than 3,500 emergency communication centers in 46 countries use IAED’s protocols, but a small percentage have achieved ACE accreditation.
Read more about IAED and the Accredited Center of Excellence here: www.emergencydispatch.org/what-we-do/accreditation
 
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About the Seminole County Fire Department (SCFD): The Seminole County Fire Department serves nearly a half-million residents countywide with 21 fire stations and responds to nearly 50,000 incidents annually. SCFD holds an ISO Class 1 rating, is accredited by the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CFAI), is gold standard–accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services (CAAS), and is an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. SCFD provides emergency services to unincorporated Seminole County and the cities of Altamonte Springs, Casselberry and Winter Springs, and maintains first-response agreements with Lake Mary, Longwood, Sanford, Oviedo, and Orlando Sanford International Airport. Follow SCFD on Facebook (@SCFD.1974), Instagram (@seminolefd) and X (@SCFDPIO). For more information, visit www.SCFDFL.com.