Alberta department recognized for service

The department was recognized for receiving the Emergency Fire Dispatch Accredited Centre of Excellence accreditation at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. on April 24.

The accreditation was awarded in February and acknowledges the exceptional performance and professional service to both residents and first responders by the Red Deer 911 Emergency Communications Centre.

“Our citizens are getting world-class service when they call into our 911 centre,” RDES Chief/Manager Ken McMullen said in a statement.

“Not only are our operators providing the caller with exceptional care, but they are getting the best possible information and support to our crews as they respond to the situation.”

In addition to the recent award, RDES has achieved the following accreditations:

• Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI): 2016 – 2020
• Emergency Medical Dispatch Centre of Excellence: 2017 – 2020
• Accreditation Canada – Accredited with Exemplary Standing 2018 – 2021

Red Deer’s 911 Emergency Communication Centre is now just one of 45 centres in the world with the Emergency Fire Dispatch accreditation, and one of 26 in the world, and one of only two in Canada, with both fire and medical dispatch accreditation.

“I am very proud of the work our team has done to earn these accreditations,” said McMullen. “We always strive for continuous improvement and excellence and will continue to develop and hone our technical skills to meet and exceed standards for accreditation in the future.”

The Red Deer 911 Emergency Communications Centre is a primary 911 public safety answering point for more than 70 municipalities in central and southern Alberta and serves as a 911 caller’s first contact when they dial the number.