In October, the sharp eyes of Sgt. Dia Curtis of the Whitfield County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division helped solve a convenience store burglary.
Detective Chris Guay with Criminal Investigations Division had sent out photos to various employees at the sheriff’s office hoping for a break in a burglary case, and Sgt. Curtis was able to provide a possible identification that eventually led to the arrest of the suspect.
For her efforts, Sgt. Curtis earned a special commendation from the sheriff’s office.
Performance like that is just one reason why she was also chosen as Whitfield County’s Employee of the Month for October.
Sgt.
Curtis, along with fellow employees Beth Gomez, Angie Amos, and others, has also played a key role in raising funds for the Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer for the past three years.
To help local residents find out more about herself, Sgt. Curtis recently filled out this survey to share with them.
Name: Dia Curtis
Job: Detention Sergeant
Time with the county: 18 years
Where I went to school: Murray County High School
My role as a county employee: I am a deputy in Detention, and I supervise other detention officers.
What keeps my job interesting: Dealing with inmates on a day to day basis, you never know what might happen.
What gives me a sense of accomplishment on the job: Having earned the respect of my fellow officers. I feel it’s a great accomplishment to feel like you have a family away from home, where everyone is generally concerned about everyone else.
The most important thing I’ve done on the job: I try to be a positive influence on everyone I come in contact with.
Where I grew up: Murray County
Family: My husband Brian, and my girls Kiya and Abby
After work, I enjoy: Spending time with my family, which normally involves whatever my girls are participating in at that time.
Community activities: I have participated in the Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer for the last three years.
Favorite TV show: Criminal Minds
Favorite sport: Softball
Favorite music: Just about anything but classical
Favorite Whitfield County restaurant: Logan’s and Fuji
Favorite Whitfield County event: The flags being put up at the Courthouse for patriotic events.
Three people (living or dead) I’d invite to dinner: My mom (deceased), my mother-in-law (deceased), and my husband, because my husband and I miss them so much and to watch him squirm. (LOL).
I’m most proud of: being a mom and wife
Pet peeve: People who drink and drive
If I’ve learned one thing in life, it’s: Tomorrow is never guaranteed, so live today like it may be your last. Tell the people you love that you love them, tell them a lot, every day.
Who has had the most impact on my life: My husband and children
Personal goals I have accomplished or would like to accomplish: The goal I have been doing every year is raising money for The Atlanta 2 Day Walk for Breast Cancer. I would really like to continue this goal, because it helps women and men who would normally not have the financial means to get treatments or preventative scans. We, Beth Gomez, Angie Amos and myself, started attending this walk three years ago, and it has been such an inspiration to see how many lives the money that we raise affects. Misty Kovach was our inspiration in this journey; to see how courageous she is was why we chose to get involved. The goal I hope to accomplish in the future is to spend my days getting old on the beach holding hands with my hubby.
If I could have been in any profession of my choosing, I would have been a: I don’t think I would have changed my profession, because I was always told I was too little to be a “police officer” so it’s what I’ve always wanted to do. The stubborn side of me had to prove them wrong. Besides, it’s how I met the love of my life.
If I could have two wishes, they would be: No. 1 - For my children to live long, productive and happy lives. No. 2 - Be able to move to Florida with my husband after we retire.
You’d be surprised to learn that I: have walked 30 miles in two days. I used to work for Willy Wonka, just kidding.
Anything else you’d like to say: I would like to say thank you to all my family and friends who have backed me up all my life. I love each and every one of you. A special thanks to the person that thought enough of me to nominate me for this privilege; you know who you are. I would especially like to tell my husband and my girls that I love them with all my heart.