For the sixth year in a row, the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) has awarded The Protection Bureau of Exton, Pa., CSAA Diamond Certification.

The certification recognizes that 100 percent of the company’s central station operators have achieved proficiency and earned certification by passing the CSAA Central Station On-Line Operator Training Course. The courses cover virtually all phases of central station communication with customers, as well as law enforcement, fire and emergency services communications centers. This area of communication is seen as the life-saving link between residential or business properties and law enforcement, fire and emergency services in local areas.

Before a company can earn Five Diamond Certification, every operator has to not only pass the course, but also demonstrate:

• proficiency in alarm verification;
• proficiency in communications with public service answering points, such as emergency 911 center;
• knowledge of electronic communications support equipment, including radio;
• an understanding of the codes and standards of organizations including UL, FM, NFPA and others; and
• proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities.

Of the approximately 2,700 central stations in the United States that communicate and interact with law enforcement, fire and emergency services agencies, fewer than 100 have achieved Five Diamond status.