Zita with Chief Darla Huxel after receiving the award.

It is amazing what a little hard work and a good attitude will do for a person.

Jan Zita, Umatilla Police Department dispatcher, was selected by her fellow students and academy staff at the police training academy to receive the Victor G. Atiyeh award for her “exceptional professionalism.” Zita is the second Umatilla PD dispatcher to receive the award – Karen Holt, office administrator and dispatcher, was an Atiyeh recipient in 2003.

“We consider it to be an honor we have two Atiyeh recipients in the station,” said Chief Darla Huxel. “That says a lot about the people who are in those positions. Their personalities are key to our department. Often they are the first contact a person has with the police department and they represent us very well.”

Zita was stunned when she got the award. She has worked at the Umatilla PD since June 2007 as a part-time office assistant until she was tapped for a dispatch position and sent to the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training Academy in Salem.

“It is quite an honor,” said Zita, who lives in Echo and is actively involved in many programs in her hometown.

Huxel said despite the fact Zita does live in Echo, she has jumped right into Umatilla activities, finding out how she can be involved.

“I’m just real proud of her,” said Huxel. “Even though she lives in Echo, she has become a member of our community.”