New 911 director appointed in Mercer County at celebration for retiring director

PRINCETON, WV (WVNS) – It was a bittersweet day for the Mercer County 911 Center on Thursday, August 29, 2024.

A celebration was held for the retirement of long-time 911 director Robert Hoge. Hoge was the director of the 911 Center for 27 years. In his time there he did much more than just direct.  He helped further local radio communication and much more.

Hoge told 59News about what he will miss most in retirement.

“The employees, [and] the camaraderie with all the employees. When you work with somebody every day, you get to know them. They are a second family. I spend as much, if not more time with them, than I do my own family a lot of the times,” said Hoge.

Right before the retirement celebration was held, there was a special meeting to name the new director of the Mercer County 911 center.

“[It is with] great pleasure I introduce Julie Lockheart, the new 911 director of the Mercer County 911 Center. Julie has been here for a lot of years. I am not going to give away her age, but we worked closely together, and I think Julie will do a wonderful job,” said Hoge.

Hoge’s time with the 911 Center will not immediately come to a close. He said he will still be around to ensure a smooth transition and assist with whatever is needed.

The new 911 Director, Julie Lockheart, is in quite a unique situation. Hoge is a family friend to her parents and he took her under his wing at the 911 Center over the years.

Lockheart took time to reflect on Hoge’s legacy.

“Bobby has had many roles in the state of West Virginia, with the radios, West Virginia State 911 Council, those types of things. He is really going to be missed by not just our center, but the state of West Virginia and all of the 911 centers in the state. It is going to be a great loss.”

Lockheart is excited for this new opportunity and to continue Hoge’s work at the 911 Center by serving her fellow coworkers, as well as the entire county.

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