The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) has achieved a rare milestone, becoming the 27th agency worldwide to earn Triple Accredited Center of Excellence (Tri-ACE) status from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED).

This recognition marks the DEC’s accreditation in emergency fire, police, and medical dispatch. Cobb County is now the first county agency in Georgia and one of only three emergency communications centers in the state to hold Tri-ACE status.

The DEC earned its most recent accreditation in emergency fire dispatch, becoming IAED’s 79th Accredited Center of Excellence in that discipline. Earlier this year, the agency received ACE status for emergency police dispatch (33rd) and emergency medical dispatch (351st).

“Achieving Tri-ACE Status in less than a year is a remarkable feat. This was a months-long effort requiring consistency, accountability, commitment, and care,” said Director Melissa Alterio, quoted in the announcement on the Cobb County website. “Our team continues to set the standard for what excellence in 911 looks like.”

Tri-ACE designation requires agencies to complete IAED’s 20 Points of Accreditation, undergo rigorous evaluation by subject matter experts, and pass a final review by the IAED board. According to the announcement on the Cobb County website, the recognition underscores Cobb County DEC’s commitment to operational excellence, comprehensive training, and top-tier quality assurance.

The department will be honored at the 2026 Navigator Conference in Las Vegas, where it will receive a commemorative plaque recognizing both its emergency fire dispatch accreditation and its new Tri-ACE status.

IAED accreditation is regarded as the gold standard for the more than 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide that utilize the protocol-based Priority Dispatch system.