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Smithfield, NC - Johnston County E-911 is taking center stage in recognition of achieving the highest distinction in emergency communications services. The communications center is the 1st 9-1-1 center in North Carolina, (3rd in the United States), to attain National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) status as an Accredited Center of Excellence, ACE, for its use of the Fire, Police, and Medical protocols.

Jason Barbour, the agency's Director who spearheaded the ACE process, is delighted by the recognition. As he explained, the distinction took several months to achieve, with plenty of hands pitching in to support the accomplishment.

"I am very proud of our staff for the hard work they put forth to make sure that we are helping the citizens of Johnston County to the best of our ability when they call 9-1-1. It is truly an honor to be the 1st 9-1-1 center in North Carolina to become accredited in all three protocols. I would like to thank the Commissioners for their support in allowing us to have the best 9-1-1 center possible for our citizens".

The NAED's ACE program commands superior, up-to-date public care and efficient use of resources when handling emergency call situations. Certification in each discipline requires a detailed self-study based on the Academy's Twenty Points of Accreditation. The self-study covers everything from the center's description to procedures outlining a quality improvement plan, continuing dispatch education, and compliance to the life-saving emergency dispatch protocols developed by NAED Founder Jeff Clawson, M.D..

The Academy's Board of Accreditation reviews the center's application and documentation of the Twenty Points and arranges for an intensive onsite visit by an Academy representative.

"There's a tremendous amount of work that goes into achieving ACE status," said NAED President Scott Freitag. "We're certainly proud of their accomplishment."

There are more than 90 centers nationally and internationally carrying the ACE distinction among the 3,000 centers worldwide using the fire, police, and medical protocols for safe and efficient response to emergency situations.