The latest news for you from SREC911: April 2025

April 2025

SREC Earns National Accreditation, Strengthening Service to Our Community

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) has officially been recognized as an Accredited Center of Excellence (ACE) in emergency medical dispatch by the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch® (IAED™)—a prestigious achievement that places SREC among the top emergency dispatch centers in the world.

This accreditation isn’t just a badge of honor for our team—it’s a direct benefit to the communities we serve. It means that when you or your loved ones call 911, you’re reaching a center that meets the highest international standards for emergency medical response. Every call is handled with proven protocols, precision, and professionalism—ensuring the right help gets to the right place as quickly as possible.

SREC is now the 352nd center worldwide and just the third in Washington State to achieve this distinction. Earning ACE status required a rigorous, months-long evaluation process, including performance reviews, data analysis, and strict protocol adherence—demonstrating our team's dedication to excellence in public safety.

"This achievement is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our entire team," said Lori Markham, Executive Director. "It’s about more than meeting standards—it’s about giving our community confidence that help is always just a call away. Our Communications Officers are the first, first responders, and this accreditation affirms their lifesaving work."

IAED’s ACE designation is the highest honor an emergency communication center can receive. It validates SREC’s ongoing mission to provide consistent, compassionate, and high-quality care to every caller in crisis.

This milestone strengthens public trust, supports better outcomes in emergencies, and confirms that SREC is delivering on its promise: to serve the community with excellence, every call, every time.

8-Year-Old Honored for Heroic 911 Call

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) and the Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) recently recognized 8-year-old Jackson George for his extraordinary bravery during a medical emergency involving his mother.

When Jackson’s mom, Anna, suffered a medical event, he quickly and calmly called 911. Thanks to his composure and quick thinking, Spokane Valley firefighters arrived promptly and were able to provide critical care. Jackson’s actions exemplify the importance of teaching children how and when to call 911.

“Jackson’s courage and clarity during such a frightening moment made all the difference,” said Lori Markham, Executive Director of SREC. “This recognition is not only about honoring his actions, but also about reminding families how vital it is to prepare kids with the knowledge to call 911 in an emergency.”

“His swift and decisive actions were crucial in preventing what could have been a tragic outcome,” added Spokane Valley Fire Chief Frank Soto, Jr. “We are proud to honor him for his heroic efforts.”

Jackson was presented with a special certificate of recognition by both SREC and SVFD, with the team members who assisted during the call in attendance. His story is a powerful reminder of the life-saving impact children can have when equipped with emergency knowledge. A special shout out to Jackson's mom for doing such a great job teaching him!

The Power of Serial Numbers (and a Sharpie!)

When it comes to recovering stolen property, serial numbers and identifiable markings are your best friends. Keeping a log of serial numbers for your valuables—tools, electronics, equipment—greatly improves the chances of getting them back if they’re ever lost or stolen.

Here’s why it matters:

When you report a theft, police can enter the serial number or any unique identifier into a national stolen property database. This system is regularly cross-referenced with pawn shop inventory databases, allowing law enforcement to flag and track stolen goods if they’re pawned or recovered elsewhere.

But serial numbers aren’t the only useful info! If an item doesn’t have a serial number:

Write your last name, initials, or a custom code somewhere discreet.
Use permanent markers or engraving tools to make it stick.
Even something like “last name in Sharpie” is searchable and can be included in property records.
Photos are also invaluable—for both insurance purposes and future identification.

What you can do:

Create an inventory list with serial numbers, photos, and any unique markings.
Save it securely—digitally or in a fire-safe location.
Don’t forget about personal tools, sports equipment, or musical gear—they're often targeted and easy to track if they’re marked.

Taking these small steps now helps police, boosts recovery chances, and gives you greater peace of mind. One Sharpie could save you a lot of heartache later.

Two SREC Employees Recognized for Excellence

We’re proud to celebrate two outstanding members of our team for their recent achievements in the emergency communications field.

Kami Worley received the Spokane County Trauma Care & EMS Council’s Telecommunicator of the Year Award, recognizing her exceptional performance in 911 operations and medical dispatch. Kami was honored for her calm, focused response during high-pressure medical calls and her consistent demonstration of compassion, accuracy, and professionalism. Her ability to quickly assess situations and provide critical pre-arrival instructions has made a lasting impact on callers and responders alike.

Raegan Hays was honored with the WA APCO-NENA Trainer of the Year Award for her excellence in developing and delivering high-quality training programs. Raegan’s approach to training is grounded in real-world experience and a deep commitment to the growth of her peers. Her leadership in revising the Communications Training Officer program and mentoring new dispatchers has elevated the entire training process at SREC, ensuring future generations of telecommunicators are exceptionally prepared.

These recognitions reflect not only their individual talents, but also the strength, dedication, and professionalism of our entire team. We are so fortunate to have such highly respected and skilled professionals representing SREC and serving our community!