Williamson County emergency communications wins ACE police and fire accreditation

Williamson County Emergency Communications announced it has earned ACE accreditation for both police and fire dispatch, a milestone county leaders said makes the department among the first in Texas to hold both accreditations simultaneously.

Catherine (Kate) Wolf, director of Emergency Communications, told the court the office has pursued the ACE accreditations for years. "We finally pushed through the finish line on the police accreditation and the fire accreditation," Wolf said. She said the county is the first agency in Texas to hold both police and fire ACE accreditations together; the office is pursuing medical accreditation next.

Commissioners and staff praised the communications team and credited the county's quality assurance and IT work for meeting the standard. County officials noted the accreditation required updated software and cross-agency coordination, and they thanked partner agencies and IT staff for supporting the effort.

Commissioner Long made the motion to approve the recommendation and Commissioner Coby seconded; the court recorded the motion as carried 5-0. "Motion by commissioner Long, approval by commissioner Coby. All in favor? Motion carries 5 0," the clerk announced.

County leaders said accreditation reflects ongoing training, performance review and investment in technology. Wolf told the court the communications center will next pursue medical accreditation to add to the agency's credentials.

The court offered formal congratulations and accepted the department's recognition.