Houston’s Emergency Center, which manages the city’s communications among 911 dispatchers and the police and fire departments, officially has a new director.

Robert Mock, who has been serving as the HEC’s interim director since February, assumed the role permanently June 14. Previously, he served as the center’s division manager of operations, police and 911 call takers, overseeing 161 employees including 135 police and 911 dispatchers. The division fields 1.8 million emergency calls and 800,000 nonemergency calls per year, according to a city press release.

"I look forward to the opportunity to maintain and improve operations at HEC and am honored to serve the citizens of Houston under Mayor Turner," he said in the news release.

Previously, Mock was the assistant chief and chief of police for Houston ISD from 2008-18. He earned a master’s degree in criminology from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership from Mountain State University. He is also a graduate from the FBI National Academy, according to the release.

"I have full confidence in Robert Mock. He was highly effective as interim director at the Houston Emergency Center and will undoubtedly maintain this effectiveness as the permanent HEC director," Mayor Sylvester Turner said in the release. "With a career in law enforcement and extensive management experience, I know he will serve well in the role."