MERCER COUNTY, W.Va. – Julie Lockhart was recently appointed as the new director for the center that oversees all of the 911 calls in Mercer County. Lockhart started working at the 911 center part time in 1995 and worked her way up through the ranks.
Lockhart says she was inspired to become a dispatcher by her family which has a history of law enforcement experience.
“My father was a state police officer so when 911 came into fruition it was an opportunity to kind of work in behind the scenes but still be a part of helping the community,” said Lockhart.
Lockhart replaces long time director, Robert Hoge who was in the role for the last 30 years. She says he’s been a big help in preparing her for the new role.
“He has been amazing to work with me and help me get situated into this new role. Coming from the dispatch floor into administration is definitely different but one that I was really excited about,” said Lockhart.
Lockhart just stepped into her new role in September but she’s already had to deal with adversity on the job. After the remnants of Hurricane Helene ripped through Mercer County. She says while she has plenty of experience, nothing could have prepared her for that moment.
“Honestly, the call volume on that Friday and Saturday was actually probably about five times our normal call volume. We literally had every seat in dispatch filled. Myself, the deputy director and four other dispatchers. We had the office of emergency services here and then a lot of utility companies,” said Lockhart.
Lockhart says she told herself that if she could survive being put on the spot like that by Helene, she could survive anything the job throws at her.
She says she looks forward to leading the group of dispatchers at the 911 center.
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