T-L File Photo Trooper Tyler Burd, left, and dispatcher Traci Jaskowiak are Trooper and Dispatcher of the Year at the St. Clairsville post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Since she first donned her uniform in 1999, Ohio State Highway Patrol dispatcher Traci Jaskowiak has seen growth in the number of women working in the field.

And they aren’t all working as dispatchers, but as state troopers and as other types of law enforcement officers as well.

“I feel it is equally important to have females in law enforcement,” she noted.

Working in a position that can be stressful for her and for all who reach out to her for help, she has learned it is important to stay calm and to be kind. In fact, she said the motto she lives by is to treat others the way you want to be treated.

“If you treat others the way you want to be treated, it would be a better world,” she said. “To choose kindness always.”

Perhaps that caring attitude played a big role in securing her recognition as the St. Clairsville patrol post’s Dispatcher of the Year — an honor bestowed by her peers.

The award recognizes her technical job knowledge and ability, enthusiastic work attitude, teamwork and prompt and courteous response to the public’s requests for information and assistance.

She advises young women looking toward a career in law enforcement to learn how to remain calm and work as part of a team.

“Rely on your co-workers,” she said. “We’ve all been where they are. We are a team, and a team wants you to succeed.”

She added that every call she receives provides an opportunity to learn valuable lessons.

“With every call, listen to the caller with empathy, and staying calm will help you to make the situation easier on everyone,” she said.

Her career choice came down to seeing the job as an opportunity to help people.

“I have always enjoyed helping others. To be able to assist the public with their needs during a stressful situation or answering a simple question is fulfilling,” she said.

The Union Local graduate has been married to her husband, John, for 26 years. He is employed by Belmont Correctional Institute. They have a

daughter, Jenna, who attends West Liberty University. She expects to graduate In December with a bachelor’s degree in speech pathology and plans to go on to graduate school. The family attends Hillcrest Bible Church.

Jaskowiak believes the small-town feel of the Ohio Valley and the interactions among residents are bright spots in the region.

“Having a close-knit community and the camaraderie with other agencies makes my job easier,” she noted.