Mercer County E-911

09/11/2025

🇺🇸 A Beautiful Surprise from Oakvale Elementary 🇺🇸

Today, our hearts were deeply touched by the students of Oakvale Elementary, who surprised Mercer County 911 with stunning drawings and heartfelt thank-you messages in remembrance of 9/11.

Each piece of art, each word of gratitude, carried the weight of history and the warmth of young hearts learning what it means to honor, remember, and serve. Their creativity and compassion reminded us that the legacy of 9/11 lives on—not only in the stories we tell, but in the values we pass down.

Educating the next generation about the impact of that day is more than history, it's about empathy, resilience, and unity. These students showed us that remembrance can be powerful, poetic, and profoundly moving.

We were truly honored today. 💙

NeverForget

09/11/2025

🕯️ September 11th: We Remember 🇺🇸

From all of us at Mercer County 911 Dispatch, today we pause to honor the lives lost, the heroes who answered the call, and the resilience of a nation forever changed.

Twenty-four years ago, our country witnessed unimaginable tragedy. But in the face of darkness, dispatchers, first responders, and everyday citizens became beacons of courage. We remember the voices on the other end of the line; calm, steady, guiding help through chaos. We remember the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and civilians who ran toward danger with unwavering resolve.

As dispatchers, we carry that legacy every day. Behind every emergency call is a promise: to serve, to protect, and to never forget.

🕊️ Today, we stand in solemn remembrance.
📍 From Princeton to every corner of the world, we honor the fallen.
📞 And we reaffirm our commitment to be the calm in the storm...for you, for our community, for each other.

NeverForget

09/03/2025

📣 We're Hiring!

Administrative Assistant

📍 Mercer County 911 Center | Mercer County, WV🕗 Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM📅 Apply by: September 15, 2025🔗 www.mercer911.com

💼 Position Overview

Mercer County 911 is looking for a dependable, detail-oriented Administrative Assistant to support our leadership team and center operations. If you have experience in clerical work, financial coordination, and emergency services—and a heart for public service—this role is for you.

🛠️ Key Responsibilities

*Administrative & Operational Support

*Support Director & Deputy Director

*Prepare reports, correspondence, and personnel files

*Coordinate subpoenas and court requests

*Assist with dispatch operations (training provided)

*Engage with the public professionally

*Financial & Recordkeeping

*Process bills and maintain financial records

*Communicate with accounting firm

*Track receipts and audit documentation

*Handle address verifications

*Board & Interagency Coordination

*Organize monthly board meetings

*Record and distribute meeting minutes

*Support interagency logistics

*Technology & Mapping

*Use Microsoft Word & Excel for reporting

*Read and interpret maps

✅ Qualifications

Mercer County resident

*Valid driver’s license

*Pass credit, background, and drug screening

*Clerical and emergency services experience

*Proficient in Microsoft Word & Excel

*Strong organizational and communication skills

*Willingness to assist in dispatch operations

💰 Compensation & Benefits

*$15/hour or based on experience

*Paid vacation, sick leave, holidays

*Retirement plan

*Health, life, dental & vision coverage

📌 Ready to Apply?

Submit your application at www.mercer911.com

Internal & external applications accepted until September 15, 2025

Mercer County E911, Princeton

08/28/2025

Empowering our responders means furnishing timely responses to our citizens.

PRINCETON – Money generated by opioid lawsuit settlements could be used to expand a pager system that dispatches Mercer County’s firefighters not only to fires and crashes, but also to

08/27/2025

Mercer County 911 is Hiring! 🚨

Looking for a flexible, part-time job that makes a real impact?
We’re hiring part~time 911 Dispatchers — perfect for college students, second jobs, or anyone ready to serve their community.

💼 Details:
• $15/hour
• 12-hour shifts
• Minimum 24 hours/week
• On-the-job training provided

✅ Requirements:
• 18+ with HS diploma or GED
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation
• Drug-free, clean background

📍 Location: Mercer County, WV
📞 Apply today and be the calm voice in someone’s storm.

MercerCounty911

08/06/2025

🎒✨ Back-to-School in Mercer County: Safety First! ✨🎒

As the school bells get ready to ring across Mercer County, excitement is in the air—and so is the need for a little extra caution. Whether you’re a parent, student, or driver, Mercer County 911 wants everyone to start the year safe and smart.

🚸 Top Safety Tips from Mercer County 911

• 🛑 Stop for School Buses: Flashing red lights mean STOP—no exceptions. It’s the law and it saves lives A.
• 🚶‍♀️ Plan Safe Routes: Parents, map out walking paths with minimal street crossings and use intersections with crossing guards.
• 🌟 Be Visible: Bright or reflective clothing helps drivers spot students, especially during early mornings or dusky evenings.
• 🚗 Drive Like They’re Yours: Slow down near schools and bus stops. Watch for kids on bikes or walking near the curb.
• 📞 Know When to Call 911: Emergencies only! For non-urgent matters, use the non-emergency line at 304-425-8911

💬 Mercer 911 Director Julie Lockhart reminds us: “As summer draws to a close and children start heading back to classes, life can get pretty hectic. It’s important to remember these basic safety tips that will help keep everyone safe and healthy throughout the school year”.

Let’s make this school year magical, memorable, and above all—safe. 💖📚

08/03/2025

Mercer County 911’s 1st Annual Appreciation Cookout: A New Tradition Begins 🍔🚨

This week, something special happened in the heart of our 911 center, a simple cookout in our garage became the start of a new tradition.

As the new Director of Mercer County 911, I’ve spent the past few months listening, learning, and watching the incredible dedication of our team. I knew from day one that we needed more than just policies and procedures to thrive… we needed connection, celebration, and moments that remind us why we do what we do.

So we fired up the grill, rolled up the garage doors, and welcomed everyone, whether they were on shift or off, for our 1st Annual Appreciation Cookout.

It wasn’t held in a fancy venue. It was held right here, in our 911 garage. Because convenience matters when you’re working around the clock. And because sometimes the most meaningful gatherings happen in the most humble spaces.

This cookout was about more than burgers and hot dogs. It was about:

• Recognizing the unseen heroes who answer the call every day and night.
• Creating space for laughter, stories, and shared pride in the work we do.
• Building a culture of appreciation and not just once a year, but as a way of life.

Events like this matter. They remind us that behind every headset is a human being with a heart, a story, and a need to feel seen. They help us recharge, reconnect, and recommit to the mission we share.

This is just the beginning. I believe in building traditions that honor our people, foster belonging, and make our center not just a workplace but a community.

To everyone who helped make this cookout happen, thank you. And to our team: you are the reason we gather, the reason we celebrate, and the reason Mercer County 911 is something to be proud of.

Here’s to many more cookouts, conversations, and moments of gratitude. 💙

07/16/2025

🚨 911: Clearing Up a Common Misconception 🚨

When you dial 911 in an emergency, you’re not speaking to a police officer, paramedic, or firefighter directly. You’re speaking to a 911 Telecommunicator—also known as a dispatcher. They’re the unseen heroes behind the scenes who connect you to the help you need, FAST.

But here’s something many don’t realize: dispatchers aren’t just answering phones. They’re trained to ask specific, potentially life-saving questions that help determine exactly what kind of assistance you need. Every answer you provide guides their decisions—from the number of responders sent to the tools and resources they bring.

🧠 Their questions aren’t delays—they’re lifelines.
🎯 Their precision ensures responders arrive equipped for YOUR emergency.
💬 The information they pass along can literally save lives before help even walks through the door.

So next time you hear someone say “911 didn’t help,” consider this: Without clear, accurate answers, dispatchers can’t send the right help with the right tools. Help starts with them—let’s give them the respect and recognition they deserve.

07/11/2025

🌧️ Flooding & Hurricane Season: Even the Mountains Aren’t Immune 🌀

West Virginia may be known for its rolling hills and mountain views, but don’t let elevation fool you. Flooding and inland hurricane impacts can and do reach us here. Mercer County has seen it firsthand. So let’s talk preparedness, because being ready isn’t just smart — it’s life-saving.

🚗 If You’re Caught in Your Car:

• Never drive through floodwaters — just 12 inches can sweep a vehicle away.
• If water is rising around your car and not moving, abandon it and get to higher ground.
• Keep a flashlight, emergency blanket, and first aid kit in your vehicle at all times.

🏠 If You’re Stuck at Home:

• Shelter in an interior room on the highest non-flood-prone level.
• Avoid basements during floods — they fill fast.
• Have a battery-powered weather radio to stay informed if power and cell service go out.

📦 Stock Up on Essentials:

• Water: 1 gallon per person per day (3-day supply minimum).
• Non-perishable food for at least 3 days.
• Flashlights, extra batteries, and a manual can opener.
• Medications, pet supplies, hygiene items, and sanitation tools.
• Copies of important documents in a waterproof container or saved digitally.
• Extra cash — ATMs may be down.
• Maps of your area in case GPS fails.

📍 Family Reunification Plan:

• Choose a safe meeting spot — one local, one out-of-town.
• Share contact info and emergency plans with all family members.
• Keep photos and ID info for pets in case they get separated.
• Practice your plan. It reduces panic and builds confidence.

💬 Final Thought: Preparedness isn’t panic — it’s peace of mind. Let’s protect our families, our dispatch teams, and our community by planning ahead. Because when the storm hits, it’s too late to wonder what you should’ve done.

07/06/2025

🕊️ From Mercer County 911 to Our Extended Family in Texas 🕊️

To the families, first responders, and entire communities devastated by the recent flooding in Texas—

Our hearts in Mercer County are heavy as we learn of the lives lost, especially the young souls swept away during what should have been a week of summer laughter and carefree memories at camp. We cannot begin to grasp the pain you are enduring, but we stand with you in deep sorrow and unwavering support.

As fellow 911 professionals, we know the weight that settles over dispatchers, responders, and caregivers during crises like these. The voices heard over the radio, the pleas for help, and the moments that change lives forever—those stay with us. Please know that you are not alone.

We are holding space for those whose lives were cut far too short, for the families whose hearts are shattered, and for the heroic men and women who continue to serve through the tears, the chaos, and the loss.

May you find comfort in each other, in your community, and in the silent strength that grief sometimes brings. From Mercer County to Texas: we see you, we grieve with you, and we send all the love our hearts can hold.

🫶💔

07/04/2025

🧨 Happy 4th of July from Mercer 911! 🧨

Mercer 911 wishes you a joyful and safe Independence Day. As you gather with family and friends to enjoy the fireworks, please celebrate responsibly and keep our lines open for true emergencies.

When to Call 911 During Fireworks 🎆

• Call 911 if there’s a serious injury from fireworks—burns, eye damage, or other trauma
• Call 911 if fireworks ignite a fire involving people, structures, or dry vegetation that could spread rapidly
• Call 911 if you observe illegal or reckless use of fireworks that endangers people or property and you can provide an address or clear location to the dispatcher.

🐾 Pet Safety Tips for the 4th of July

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks—loud booms can cause panic and lead to escape attempts
• Create a quiet space with familiar toys, white noise, or calming music
• Update ID tags and microchip info in case your pet gets loose
• Avoid people food—especially BBQ scraps, bones, and alcohol
• Skip the glow sticks and citronella candles—they can be toxic if chewed or ingested
• Walk dogs early before fireworks begin and check fences for escape routes
• Talk to your vet about calming aids or anxiety meds if your pet is especially sensitive.

Thank you for helping us keep Mercer County safe—for people and pets alike. Wishing you a peaceful and patriotic celebration!!

07/03/2025

🧶✨ Dispatcher by day, blanket whisperer by night—Meet Kayla Sudderth! ✨🧶

Mercer County 9-1-1 is lucky to have this powerhouse on the team. Kayla’s worn many hats—EMT, correctional officer, and dispatcher—but don’t be fooled into thinking she’s all steel and no fluff. She can stabilize a chaotic scene quicker than you can say “code red,” and crochet a yarn masterpiece that’ll make your grandma jealous.

Need to know something obscure? Wondering how to splint a leg, organize a prison cell block, AND pick the best yarn for a baby blanket? Just ask Kayla—she’s our walking, talking emergency-response Google. Only cooler.

Kayla, you’re proof that strength and softness can absolutely coexist—and that tactical gear goes great with a skein of yarn. 🫶📟🧶💪