A trained graphic artist, Sarah Trittler's career has morphed from working at newspapers, a television station, cable company and bank before settling in as a human resources specialist for the City of Jefferson.
Now, it looks like she's found her calling. For the past 15 years, she's enjoyed helping new employees getting set up with payroll, benefits and orientation sessions, to name a few of her job duties.
"I enjoy explaining the benefits to them and getting them all set up to have the benefits that will help support them and their family," she said. "I just like the different responsibilities I have. It's something new every day, so I'm not doing the same thing and getting bored. It keeps me happy and always looking for ways to improve and help employees."
It's that attitude that earned her the city's Outstanding Employee Service Award for April. She was awarded a city coin and a $50 gift certificate.
In addition to her other duties, she also sets up CPR and AED training, active shooter training, evacuation route planning, drug testing and workers' compensation issues.
Her nomination form said she is positive, respectful and has a willingness to help others. She's reliable, punctual and adapts to work duties as needed.
"Sarah always has a positive demeanor and willingness to help others in any way she can," the nomination read. "Sarah continuously visits with employees that walk in or call in to make benefit changes or need assistance with insurance questions. On a daily basis, Sarah also helps the general public that walks into the Administration's office."
Trittler said she was "kind of shocked" when she found out she had won the award.
Her husband, Joe, and their two boys attended a recent City Council meeting with her where she was honored. After the presentation, she went back to her seat and one of her sons said: "Are they talking about you, Mom?"