The Kenton County Emergency Communications Center (KCECC) welcomed its new assistant director of operations this month.

In searching for a new assistant director, Director Ashley Hawks emphasized giving internal candidates the opportunity to train and prepare themselves to take on the role if they so desired. This ultimately is what led Kimberly Dornheggen to being named the center's new assistant director. 

Dornheggen is a veteran dispatcher. She transitioned to the Kenton County team in September 2012 when the county took over the operations of Covington's dispatch center where she had been the previous three years.

"Kim is dedicated to the profession of 911 and her passion for 911 professionals, both at KCECC and beyond, makes her the perfect person for this position," Hawks said.

Three questions with KCECC's new assistant director:

What do you enjoy most about working at KCECC?

I really enjoy serving my community directly. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that I’m helping responders who serve in my city and county, who protect the schools my kids attend, who watch over my family and friends. And, as cliche as it might sound, I love the people I work with; they are capable, passionate, and fun to work with – which is so important when you work in a field where so often you’re dealing with other people’s emergencies. I’m also comforted by the fact that when my loved ones and neighbors call 911, they are being aided by some of the most talented dispatchers and finest responders.

What about your new role excites you the most?

Prior to becoming a supervisor in the dispatch center, I was a trainer. I really enjoyed connecting with new hires and training them in real-life scenarios. Stepping in to the role of assistant director of operations will put me back in the training arena. I’ll be able to work directly with trainers and trainees, revamp and digitize our training program, and hopefully put my degree in education to use by becoming a KLEC-certified trainer and offering our dispatchers in-house, state-approved, continuing education.

Favorite thing to do in Kenton County? 

My husband and I have two young boys (9- and 7-years old). We love taking advantage of the summer programs offered by the parks department (our favorite is (Almost) Every Other Thursday Science), visiting our public library and attending events hosted at the various branches (DiNovember is coming!), and playing baseball for the Kenton County Youth Sports league. 

To learn more about Kenton County Emergency Communications Center, check out our lookback on the work being done there over the past decade.