For Immediate Release
Charlottesville, VA – August 18, 2025
Updated August 20, 2025 to include local media coverage from NBC29:
https://www.29news.com/2025/08/19/911-dispatch-training-charlottesville-uva-albemarle-county
The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center (CUA911) is proud to welcome our tenth call-taking academy hosted since 2022. Each team member plays a vital role in strengthening CUA911’s team of dedicated 9-1-1 call-takers and dispatchers to serve the community with excellence, ever-ready to provide lifesaving care.
Over the course of several months, recruits undergo extensive training to ensure they’re ready to answer calls for help with confidence, accuracy, and compassion. From the first day, they begin being equipped with the knowledge, skills, and real-world experience needed to triage and manage emergencies quickly and effectively.
“I’m excited to welcome our newest coworkers to Academy 10”, said Nikki Lewis, Academy and Outreach Manager. “Over the next twelve weeks, they’ll dedicate themselves to building the skills and knowledge needed to serve our community with integrity, empathy, and resilience.”
Training doesn’t stop in the classroom. New hires spend time learning their new roles in both the classroom and at the consoles on the communications floor. They will also go into the field with CUA911’s field first responder agencies for entire shifts in order to see the other side of the headset in order to get a better understanding of our community needs.
CUA911 is committed to building a team that reflects the professionalism and care our community expects in times of crisis. To learn more about our work or explore career opportunities, visit www.cua911.gov.
About the ECC
The Charlottesville-UVA-Albemarle Emergency Communications Center (ECC) provides all emergency communications services for Albemarle County, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia. The mission of the Emergency Communications Center is to provide community safety and preparedness services through innovation and collaboration that earns community trust. The ECC receives all 9-1-1 calls in the Charlottesville-Albemarle area and serves as the central dispatch for the three local police departments, three rescue squads, and fire calls. The ECC is a nationally recognized center, having been accredited through the CALEA since 2006, as well as being designated as an APCO National Certified Training Program and Virginia Accredited Emergency Medical Dispatch Communications Center.