The Grand Junction Regional Communications Center (GJRCC) has been recognized by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch (IAEDTM) as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) for emergency medical dispatching. The Grand Junction Regional Communication Center was re-accredited as the 291st Medical ACE in the world.
IAED is the standard-setting organization for emergency dispatch services worldwide. Accreditation (and subsequent re-accreditation) from the IAED is the highest distinction given to emergency communication centers, certifying that the center is performing at or above the established standards for the industry. Centers who earn ACE status are the embodiment of dispatch done right, and have demonstrated strong local oversight, rigorous quality processes, and a commitment to data-driven continuous improvement.
The Grand Junction Regional Communications Center is the combined public safety answering point for 911 in Mesa County and is responsible for dispatching over 20 law enforcement and fire/EMS agencies across western Colorado. The GJRCC managed over 290,000 inbound and outbound telephone calls in 2023, with a service area covering approximately 3,300 square miles within western Colorado and over 157,000 residents.
“We are proud of the dedication and professionalism of our 911 dispatchers,” said Grand Junction Police Department Commander Cory Tomps. “Our dispatchers play a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our community, and their tireless efforts and commitment to public safety make a profound impact on the lives of community members and first responders.”
“Accreditation is truly a pinnacle achievement”, said Christof Chwojka, Accreditation Board Chair at IAED. “We applaud the dedicated call takers, dispatchers, and leadership team at the GJRCC for their commitment to quality, and for meeting that high standard that few achieve. We know their community can count on these first, first responders to do an outstanding job.”
IAED will present the Grand Junction Regional Communications Center with an Accreditation plaque that commemorates their achievement. IAED Accreditation is the culmination of a lengthy, arduous process that includes the completion of the 20 Points of Accreditation, a detailed evaluation of performance by industry experts, and a final review and ruling by IAED.
"This process is undertaken by communications centers who desire to be the best of the best." explains Kim Rigden, Associate Director of Accreditation, IAED. "Achieving ACE confirms it. The GJRCC should be very proud of this achievement and the wonderful service they provide to the community and their emergency responders."
Accreditation is valid for a three-year period, during which all standards must be upheld. Emergency communication centers can earn multiple accreditations, one for each emergency discipline they service (medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage).
Over 3,500 emergency communication centers worldwide use the medical, fire, police, and emergency nurse triage protocols developed and maintained by the IAED. The protocol-based system—known as the Priority Dispatch SystemTM—is recognized as the standard of care and practice for emergency dispatch and is used in 46 countries.