Accreditation & Certifications

Tri-ACE Accreditation

The Sussex County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Communications is proud to have earned the prestigious Tri-ACE Accreditation. This places Sussex County as the 24th Tri-ACE accredited in the world making it an elite group of emergency communications and emergency management agencies worldwide. This distinguished achievement recognizes our commitment to operational excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement in protecting the residents and visitors of Sussex County.

Tri-ACE Accreditation is awarded only to agencies that demonstrate the highest standards in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and organizational leadership. The comprehensive accreditation process evaluates policies, procedures, training, technology, quality assurance, and collaboration with local, state, and federal partners to ensure agencies are prepared to effectively manage emergencies of any size or complexity.

For the Division of Emergency Communications, this accreditation reflects our commitment to providing reliable, coordinated, and professional emergency communications services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It validates the dedication of our telecommunicators, supervisors, emergency management professionals, and partner agencies who work together to support emergency responders and safeguard our communities.

Maintaining Tri-ACE Accreditation is an ongoing commitment to excellence. Through continuous evaluation, training, and process improvement, Sussex County’s Emergency Operations Center remains prepared to meet evolving challenges while delivering the highest level of service, coordination, and resilience when our community needs it most.

Emergency Dispatch Certifications

The Sussex County Department of Public Safety’s Division of Emergency Communications is committed to providing the highest level of emergency call processing through internationally recognized protocols developed by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED). Our communications professionals are certified in Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD), Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD), and Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD), providing a standardized approach to medical, fire, and law enforcement calls.

These certifications provide dispatchers with structured protocols to quickly assess an incident, determine its priority, send the appropriate resources, and provide callers with important instructions while responders are on the way. Each discipline is specifically designed around the unique needs of the emergency:

• Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD)
  EMD is the first step in getting help during a medical emergency. Dispatchers ask specific questions to understand what is happening, determine the severity of the emergency, and ensure the appropriate EMS resources are sent. When needed, they remain on the line and provide potentially lifesaving pre-arrival instructions and support until responders reach the patient.
• Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD)
  EFD provides a structured approach to fire and rescue emergencies. Dispatchers gather critical information about the incident, identify potential hazards, and help ensure the appropriate fire and rescue resources are dispatched. They may also provide safety instructions and remain on the line to guide callers until help arrives.
• Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD)
  EPD provides a standardized approach to calls requiring law enforcement assistance. Dispatchers gather important information about the situation, assess urgency and potential threats, and dispatch the appropriate law enforcement agency. When appropriate, they provide safety instructions and remain connected with the caller while officers respond.

Across all three disciplines, calls are carefully documented and processed using standardized questioning and decision-support systems. This approach helps ensure callers receive consistent assistance, responders receive accurate information, and the appropriate resources are sent based on the circumstances of each emergency.

Maintaining these internationally recognized certifications reflects our commitment to continuous training, quality assurance, and operational excellence. By following IAED standards and best practices, Sussex County Emergency Communications provides consistent, reliable, and compassionate service to our residents and visitors—ensuring every call for help is handled with professionalism, accuracy, and care.