NEW CASTLE - New Castle County Executive Marcus today recognized members of the New Castle County Emergency Communications Center (NCC911) who were honored at the 2025 APCO Mid-Eastern Awards in Ocean City, MD on October 14^th, 2025. The APCO awards celebrate excellence in public safety communications across the region.

This year, NCC911 earned multiple distinctions, including Team of the Year, Trainer of the Year, Telecommunicator of the Year, Technologist of the Year, and Administrator of the Year, highlighting the department's continued commitment to excellence, innovation, and public service.

"Our 911 professionals represent the very best of New Castle County," said County Executive Marcus Henry. "Their dedication, calm under pressure, and deep sense of service make a life-changing difference for our residents every day. I'm proud to see their hard work recognized."

"I'm incredibly proud of our 911 staff for being recognized at the 2025 APCO Mid-Eastern Awards," said New Castle County Chief of Emergency Communications Donald W. Holden This honor reflects the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and compassion they bring to every call, every shift, every day. In moments of crisis, they are the calm voice and steady hand that our community relies on-and this award is a testament to their excellence. Congratulations to each of you for this well-deserved recognition. You make us proud."

Trainer of the Year - Kenneth A. Virdin, Jr.
Kenneth Virdin, a Communications Training Officer with over 40 years in emergency communications, was recognized for his leadership in developing new dispatchers and mentoring high school students interested in public safety careers.

Telecommunicator of the Year - Nicholas A. Purse
Nicholas Purse was honored for his exceptional performance and accuracy in emergency dispatch, including a near-perfect quality assurance score and leadership in reviewing CPR-related calls.

Technologist of the Year - John W. Newman
John Newman received this award for his technical expertise and support in maintaining NCC911's communications systems and training new telecommunicators.

Administrator of the Year - Chief Donald W. Holden
Chief Holden was recognized for his leadership in advancing staff wellness, recruitment, and technology, including the launch of Delaware's first Video-to-911 system.

Team of the Year - NCC911 Platoon B
Led by Senior Assistant Platoon Leader James Rosseel, Platoon B earned Team of the Year for their coordinated response to a July 2024 boating emergency near Augustine Beach, where multiple lives were saved through effective communication and inter-agency collaboration.

About the New Castle County Emergency Communications Center
NCC911 is a nationally accredited Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) that provides 24/7 police, fire, and EMS dispatch services across New Castle County. The center handled more than 400,000 calls in 2024 and remains one of only 25 worldwide to hold both Medical and Fire ACE accreditations through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch.

About the Mid-Eastern APCO Chapter
APCO International is the world's oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. The Mid-Eastern Chapter of APCO unites Public Safety Professionals throughout the DC, Maryland, and Delaware region through quarterly meetings and training conferences.