The 911 dispatchers who answer emergency calls for more than 700,000 northern Harris County residents, including everyone in Spring, have earned one of the rarest distinctions in their field for the second time.

Harris County Emergency Services District 11 announced Thursday, Aug. 6, that its communications center earned ACE Accredited Center of Excellence status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. The designation requires a dispatch center to meet 20 accreditation standards and maintain a compliance score of at least 95%.

More than 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the IAED's dispatch protocols, but only a small fraction hold ACE status.

"Our dispatchers are the first, first responders," communications manager Juan Rodriguez said in the announcement. "Before an ambulance arrives, before a paramedic reaches the patient, our communications team is already working to assess the situation, provide lifesaving instructions and get the appropriate resources moving."

ESD 11's communications center, known internally as "Control," handles more than 65,000 calls a year across a 177-square-mile service area. The district is the largest emergency service district in Texas.

The accreditation is evaluated every three years, and the center must maintain those standards throughout the period.

Three ESD 11 team members honored at regional awards

Separately, three ESD 11 team members were recognized at the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network awards luncheon in late July.

Ashley Harrison was named Telecommunicator of the Year, selected by a vote of GHC 9-1-1 member agencies. Allison De La Vega received Trainer of the Year for her work preparing the next generation of emergency communications professionals. Nicole Ward earned the Silent Hero designation, which honors behind-the-scenes contributions that make a difference for colleagues and the public.

Ward also won the Texas NENA Silent Hero award at the state level. Harrison and De La Vega were nominated for corresponding Texas APCO awards.

Rodriguez said the honors reflect the professionalism of the entire emergency communications team. IAED Accreditation Board Chair Christof Chwojka called the accreditation "a pinnacle achievement" and said Spring-area residents can count on ESD 11's team to do an outstanding job.

Upcoming

Spring ISD and Klein ISD campuses open Wednesday, Aug. 12.