Mercer County E-911, 900 Shelter Road, Princeton, WV (2025)

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. 🫶📟🧶💪

07/02/2025

🚨 Mercer County 9-1-1 Safety Alert: Hot Cars Can Be Deadly for Children ☀️

As summer temperatures climb, so does the risk of tragedy. Even on a mild day, the inside of a parked car can become a furnace, reaching over 100°F in just 10 minutes. For a child, that can be fatal.

💔 Since 1998, more than 1,125 children in the U.S. have died from heatstroke after being left in hot cars, with an average of 38 deaths per year A. In 2024 alone, 39 children lost their lives this way.

Children’s bodies heat up 3 to 5 times faster than adults’, making them especially vulnerable. And these heartbreaking incidents don’t just happen to “other people, they happen to loving, attentive parents who are simply out of routine or distracted.

🧠 New parents and caregivers—build a habit that could save a life:

• Place a stuffed animal in the front seat when your child is in the back
• Put your purse or phone in the back seat so you’re forced to check
• Ask your daycare to call if your child doesn’t arrive as expected
• Always lock your car when not in use to prevent children from climbing in unnoticed. And yes, this can happen.

🗣️ “We know how much love and care our families pour into their children,” says Mercer County 9-1-1 Director Julie Lockhart. “But even the most devoted parent can be thrown off by a change in routine. That’s why we urge everyone to doublecheck the back seat every time. A simple habit can prevent an unthinkable loss.”

👀 If you see a child alone in a vehicle don’t wait. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Your quick action could save a life.

Let’s protect our littlest community members. Share this message. Start the habit. Save a life. 💛

07/02/2025

🐾 Meet Our New Dispatcher: Keanna Roark! 💛📞

Mercer County 9-1-1 is proud to welcome one of the freshest voices on the airwaves—Keanna Roark, our newest dispatcher bringing energy, poise, and a calming presence to every call. With a youthful spirit and a patient heart, Keanna is already making waves at the console, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her on our team.

Her ability to stay cool under pressure and connect with both callers and colleagues adds a new rhythm to our center—and let’s be honest, some of us seasoned pros might even learn a trick or two from her along the way. 😉

Here’s to Keanna’s bright future at Mercer 911, where growth, grit, and grace come standard. We’re lucky to have her in the chair and even luckier to witness her journey from day one.

Welcome to Mercer 911, Keanna! 🎧💫

07/01/2025

🕯️ Honoring the Fallen Heroes of Idaho 🕯️

From all of us at Mercer County 9-1-1, our hearts are with the families, friends, and departments mourning the loss of the two brave Idaho firefighters whose lives were tragically cut short in the line of duty.

🚒 These weren’t just responders, they were protectors, brothers in service, and members of a nationwide family bound not by proximity, but by purpose.

In our line of work whether fire, EMS, law enforcement, or dispatch, we accept the known dangers that come with the uniform. But it’s the unexpected threats that leave lasting impact… the kinds we now must train for, mentally and physically, even when they fall outside our traditional playbooks.

💔 This loss reminds us that the risks aren’t always found in smoke or sirens, they sometimes come quietly, catching even the most seasoned among us off guard.

To our partners in public safety: stay alert, train relentlessly, and look out for one another on the field and off.
To the public: keep these heroes in your thoughts, and never take for granted the men and women who answer the call, no matter the cost.

Rest easy, brothers. We’ve got it from here. 🚨🖤

07/01/2025

🇺🇸 From Mercer County 9-1-1: Celebrating Independence Day Safely! 🎆

As we gather to honor the land of the free and the home of the brave, your Mercer County 9-1-1 family wishes you a joyful and safe Fourth of July! Whether you’re lighting up the sky or firing up the grill, here are a few tips to keep your celebration safe and sound:

🔥 Fireworks Safety

• Leave the big booms to the pros—attend public displays whenever possible.
• Never allow children to handle fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby, just in case.
• Light fireworks one at a time, and never relight duds.
*Be mindful of your neighbors and do NOT set fireworks off into the late hours
*Be mindful that fireworks can scare animals.

🍔 Grill & Outdoor Fun

• Keep grills at least 10 feet away from buildings and deck railings.
• Don’t leave your grill unattended while in use.
• Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and keep an eye on loved ones—especially kids and pets.

🚓 When to Call 9-1-1 Please use 9-1-1 only in true emergencies:

• Medical emergencies (chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injuries)
• Fires
• Crimes in progress
• Suspicious activity that could pose a threat to life or property

☎️ For non-emergency matters, please contact our non-emergency line at 304-425-8911.

Let’s celebrate our nation’s birthday with pride, but also with care and respect for our neighbors, first responders, and community. Have a safe and spark-filled Fourth, Mercer County! ❤️💙

06/26/2025

🚨 Dispatcher Spotlight! 🚨

Meet Cassie Dillow — 911 Dispatcher, wife, mom, and full-time dynamo! ⚡ If loyalty had a mascot, it’d be her… probably holding a headset in one hand and fending off a rabid raccoon with the other (especially if you mess with her family or her eyelash appointment). Priorities, people.

With her solid roots in emergency medical services, Cassie was basically built for this life — calm under pressure, fierce in love, and faster than a toddler with a Sharpie when duty calls. Whether she’s steady in the dispatch chair, cheering on the sidelines of her kids’ games, or supporting her husband as he chases that checkered flag, one thing’s for sure: Cassie always shows up.

She’s the type of woman who’s got your back… with a backup plan and probably snacks.

We’re lucky to call her part of our team — a true everyday hero with a heart of gold and a spine of steel. 💛🎧🏁

Thank you Cassie, for all that you do!

06/22/2025

🚨 911 Dispatchers Wanted – No Cape Required, Just a Headset
💰 Starting Pay: $15/hour
🩺 Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance
🏁 Retirement: 20 years of service = Eligible to retire at age 50….which means you will be young enough to enjoy your retirement life 😂🤩

Think you can’t do this job? If you’re scrolling your phone, binge-watching Netflix, and texting your group chat all at once… congratulations, you already have the multitasking skills we’re looking for.

At Mercer County 911, you’ll be the calm in someone’s worst moment—the voice that guides help their way. We need focused minds, steady voices, and yes, fast fingers. If you can type like you’re spilling tea in a text thread while keeping a cool head, you’re halfway there.

📍 Apply today and bring your skills to the headset that saves lives. Find our employment application at www.mercer911.com

06/20/2025

Today, we celebrate the Mountain State—our home, our pride, our people.

Happy West Virginia Day from all of us at Mercer County 911 💙💛

From the rolling hills to the resilient hearts, there’s something truly special about being rooted here.
We’re more than just dispatchers—we’re your neighbors, your family, your lifeline when it matters most. And like West Virginia, we’re built on strength, grit, and a fierce love for our community.

Today, we honor our past and power our future. Whether you’re climbing a ridge, driving a country backroad, or simply sipping coffee on a porch with a view, take a moment to feel proud of the place we call home.

Here’s to West Virginia—wild, wonderful, and worth celebrating every single day.

Mercer County E-911

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