McClure leaves a lasting mark on Emergency Communications
by Tammy Johnson
tjohnson@cherryroad.com
Julie McClure became the first McPherson County Emergency Communications Director to rise through the ranks from within the department in May 2016. Now, after 31 years of dedicated service, McClure is retiring, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, resilience, and innovation.
McClure’s time with the department began in 1992 when McPherson County Emergency Management was still new. She started as the Administrative Assistant for Randy Reinecker. Reinecker created the department in 1992, and McClure has served under three different directors during her career.
McClure’s journey was one of growth and perseverance. After years in the office, she transitioned to being a 911 dispatcher where she remained for eight years. This hands-on experience gave her valuable insight into the challenges faced by dispatchers.
“I believe you have to know how to be a dispatcher to know how to lead dispatchers,” McClure noted.
Her time on the dispatch floor set the foundation for her eventual promotion to Communications Supervisor, then Assistant Director, and ultimately to Director in 2016.
McClure credits her best friend for the start of the path leading to her career. Her friend worked for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and encouraged McClure to apply when Randy was creating the department. She seized the opportunity to be part of something new for the county. While McClure initially thought she might shift to a courthouse position later, a tornado in the area sparked her deep appreciation for emergency management.
“I wanted to know how everything in the department worked,” she explained.
Throughout her career, McClure was shaped by the guidance of mentors like Reinecker and Darren Frazier. Reinecker’s philosophy of “Perception is reality” helped her hone her communication and leadership skills. Frazier’s mantra, “It’s going to be OK,” provided a calming perspective during crises, reminding her to tackle challenges one step at a time.
These lessons proved valuable during unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“COVID wasn’t something that came and went like severe weather,” McClure explained. “It lasted years, came in waves, and was global. We did the best we could with what we knew and what we had planned for.”
Facing overwhelming circumstances, McClure found solace in daily 5k runs during statewide conference calls, noting the runs helped to clear her head to allow her to absorb all the information.
Under McClure’s leadership, McPherson County Emergency Communications saw significant technological advancements and heightened community awareness of emergency management. These innovations have revolutionized the way emergency responses are coordinated.
“With advances in technology, we’re now able to get warnings earlier, pinpoint exact impact locations, and transfer 911 calls seamlessly between counties,” McClure said.
Beyond technology, McClure prioritized the mental well-being of her team, championing self-care and fostering a sense of camaraderie. McClure has carried on the belief Reinecker held that mental health days are important to employees’ well-being. She also works to help the dispatch team find common ground.
“We work closely, often for long hours, and kindness can go a long way,” she reflected. “Resiliency is critical, especially in a field that’s often seen as a man’s world. My favorite quote is, ‘Well-behaved women rarely make history.’”
For McClure, leaving a legacy is about the people she mentored and the community she served.
“I honestly hope that the people who have worked for me know that they were the most important thing to me,” said Mclure. “My passion was always the people who worked for me, not emergency management or being the director. It was always leading, mentoring, and protecting them.”
McClure also worked to ensure Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) resources were readily available to emergency responders. She partnered with Harvey County to maintain this resource and trained several of McPherson’s dispatchers for the team.
As McClure prepares to step away from a career that has defined much of her life, she reflects on the moments that shaped her.
“Several times, I doubted my abilities, especially during COVID, but knowing everyone in Emergency Management was feeling the same way helped,” she shared.
Her dedication to fostering community trust and transparency during emergencies remains a cornerstone of her legacy.
For her successor, Emily Yates, McClure offers a piece of wisdom that underscores her philosophy–figure out what resiliency looks like for you and practice it daily. McClure believes Emily’s experience as a Communications Supervisor and her enthusiasm make her well-equipped to lead the department forward.
As she looks toward retirement, McClure is embracing new opportunities with excitement and a touch of humor.
“It’s bittersweet. After 31 years, I’m ready to start a new chapter, with plenty of time for my motorcycle, training for a half marathon, and being a stay-at-home dog mom,” she joked.
The public is invited to a farewell celebration honoring McClure’s 31 years of service. The event is scheduled for Friday, March 14th, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the McPherson County Extension Office. This reception offers a chance for colleagues, friends, and community members to celebrate Julie’s dedication and contributions to the county’s emergency communications department. All are welcome to join in wishing her well in this next chapter of her life.
McClure’s departure marks the end of an era for McPherson County Emergency Communications, but her impact will undoubtedly be felt for years to come. From her humble beginnings as an Administrative Assistant to her transformative tenure as Director, Julie McClure has left a mark on the field of emergency management.
