Calvert County Emergency Communications has achieved elite status as a Tri-Accredited Center for Excellence (Tri-ACE) from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAED), becoming only the 31st such center worldwide for police, fire, and emergency medical services dispatching.
The recognition was announced February 12, 2026, in Prince Frederick, Maryland, through an official county press release. IAED, the global standard-setting body for emergency dispatch, grants this accreditation to centers that meet or exceed rigorous industry benchmarks. The designation highlights strong local governance, robust quality assurance, and ongoing data-driven enhancements in operations.
Calvert County’s Emergency Communications team, comprising more than 40 dedicated public safety professionals, handles all emergency call intake and dispatching for the county. In 2025, the center processed 32,607 incoming emergency calls and dispatched 135,075 incidents across police, fire, and EMS services. Staff actions during that period directly contributed to saving 19 lives and successfully assisting in the delivery of one baby.
Dave McDowell, director of Calvert County Public Safety, emphasized the significance of the award. “These numbers reflect the dedication, professionalism and life-saving impact that Emergency Communications staff make every day,” he said. “Becoming a Tri-Accredited Center for Excellence highlights the professionalism, dedication and care our staff bring to every call. Our community depends on us during its most critical moments, and this achievement affirms our commitment to delivering accurate, timely and life-saving instructions when it matters most.”
Christof Chwojka, accreditation board chair at IAED, commended the team. “Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement,” he said. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers and leadership team at Calvert County Emergency Communications for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first responders to do an outstanding job.”
The Tri-ACE accreditation covers three disciplines—police, fire, and emergency medical—and remains valid for three years, requiring sustained compliance with IAED standards. The IAED’s Priority Dispatch System, employed by more than 3,500 centers in 46 countries, provides protocol-driven guidance recognized as the standard of care for emergency dispatch worldwide.
This accomplishment underscores the high-caliber performance of Southern Maryland’s emergency response infrastructure in Calvert County, where dispatchers serve as the critical first link in life-saving chains. The center’s focus on precision and continuous improvement ensures residents receive reliable support during emergencies.
The award positions Calvert County among a select group of global leaders in public safety communications, reinforcing trust in local first responders.