CINCINNATI, OH – The Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center (ECC) is being recognized by the Ohio Chapters of the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) for its work integrating Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) platforms that enable the rapid sharing of critical emergency information. Over the past three years, ECC's IT Team has worked in coordination with the Hamilton County Emergency Communications Center, Warren County Communications Center, West Chester Township Communications, and the City of Fairfield Dispatch Center to develop and enhance a regional CAD-to-CAD interoperability platform. 

As a result of these collaborative efforts, technical staff from Cincinnati ECC, Hamilton County, Warren County, West Chester Township, and the City of Fairfield were selected as recipients of Ohio's 2026 Center Technology Leadership Award, one of the state's premier public safety communications honors for excellence in technology. The award recognizes outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing technology that improves emergency communications and public safety outcomes. The ECC was nominated by Andrew Knapp, Director of Hamilton County Emergency Communications Center and will be recognized during the Ohio Gold Star Awards later this week in Columbus. 

“Public safety doesn’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and neither should the technology that supports it. This project is a great example of what can be accomplished when communications centers work together toward a common goal.” Said Andrew Knapp, Director of the Hamilton County Emergency Communications Center. “I was proud to nominate this team for the award, and their work is making a real difference by helping our telecommunicators and first responders share critical information more quickly and effectively across our region.” 

The CAD-to-CAD platform allows dispatch centers to exchange incident information seamlessly across jurisdictional boundaries, improving situational awareness and reducing delays when emergency events require a coordinated response among multiple agencies. This enhanced connectivity helps ensure first responders have the information they need when seconds matter most. Collectively, these agencies respond to over 2 million calls for service each year, and each of these calls depend on fast, reliable technology to connect citizens in need with the emergency personnel trained to assist them. 

“The level of effort put forth by all agencies involved in this project demonstrates not only a clear commitment to the safety and welfare of visitors and citizens in their respective jurisdictions, but the Greater Cincinnati area as a whole.” said Charles Young, Cincinnati ECC Technology Manager. “It serves as an example of intergovernmental cooperation at its finest." 

ECC extends its appreciation to its regional partners for their collaboration and shared commitment to innovation in public safety communications. Together, these agencies continue to strengthen emergency response across Southwest Ohio, helping ensure that citizens receive rapid, coordinated assistance whenever they call for help.