Counterforce USA Receives Coveted Certification for Proficiency

HOUSTON, Texas, August 9, 2006 — Counterforce USA, a leading provider of alarm monitoring and response services to homes and businesses, was awarded the prestigious “Five Diamond Certification” by the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA).  Counterforce USA is part of UTC Fire & Security, a unit of United Technologies Corp (NYSE:UTX).

Five Diamond Certification affirms that 100 percent of Counterforce USA’s central station dispatchers have been proven efficient and granted certification by passing the CSAA Central Station Operator Training Course Level 1.  This course covers virtually all phases of central station communications with customers, law enforcement, and fire and emergency services communication centers.

These communications are the life-saving link between the customer and emergency services providers.  Of the approximately 2,700 central stations in the United States, fewer than 100 have achieved Five Diamond Certification. 

“To provide our customers with the high levels of service they require, Counterforce USA’s alarm dispatchers must have the best in training to meet and exceed expectations,” said Mark Martin, Counterforce USA’s central station manager.  “The CSAA course gives a very detailed view of the alarm industry and emphasizes the important role alarm dispatchers play in what are often life or death situations.  I am very proud of our team for achieving CSAA Five Diamond status.”

“CSAA congratulates Counterforce USA on achieving the Five Diamond Certification,” said Steve Doyle, CSAA executive vice president.  “Less than 1 percent of all the alarm companies in the USA qualify for this distinction, as it requires a commitment  to exceptionally high quality standards, employee education, and public safety responsibilities far above normal industry standards,” added Doyle.

To achieve the Five Diamond Certification, every Counterforce USA operator not only had to pass the Level 1 course, but also had to demonstrate proficiency in alarm verification, which helps reduce false alarms; proficiency in communications with the Public Service Answering Points such as the emergency 911 centers; knowledge of electronic communications equipment including radio; an understanding of the codes and standards of organizations such as the National Fire Protection Association and the Factory Mutual and proficiency in emergency preparedness under a wide range of scenarios.

The Central Station Alarm Association is a non-profit trade association representing the major burglar and fire alarm central monitoring stations.  Headquartered in Vienna, VA, the association has been in operation for more than 50 years. 

Counterforce USA is a unit of UTC Fire & Security, which provides world-class capabilities in the fire safety and security industries to more than one million customers throughout the world.  UTC Fire & Security is headquartered in Connecticut, USA.  More information may be found at www.utcfireandsecurity.com.

Contact: 

Ray Dickens
Marketing Manager, Counterforce USA
(713) 652-8817
ray.dickens@chubbsecurity.com

Kimberly Reidy
Media Relations Manager, UTC Fire & Security
(860) 284-3094
Kimberly.reidy@utc.fs.com