Mundelein dispatcher honored for heroics in kidnapping case

A Mundelein police dispatcher has received an award for her on-the-job actions.

Vicki Dorjath was named the 2014 Central Region Smart Telecommunicator by an organization that provides an emergency service called Smart911.

In September 2013, Dorjath took a 911 call from a Spanish-speaking caller who reported her 3-year-old daughter had been kidnapped.

Dorjath's bilingual abilities were put to good use as she conversed with the frantic caller in Spanish, obtaining the vehicle make and only one number of the offender's license plate.

Through her quick thinking, devotion to her job, and knowledge, she was able to jump-start the investigation process and quickly identified potential suspects.

Less than 48 hours later, the child was returned to her home and the suspected kidnapper was in custody.

"Ms. Dorjath responded to a frightening and tragic event heroically, and I applaud her professionalism and fast response," Mayor Steve Lentz said.

"She went above and beyond the call of duty and she turned a potentially devastating occurrence into the best possible outcome," Lentz said. "She is a hero to the family she helped, to the police department and to our Mundelein community."

Police Chief Eric Guenther had similar praise for Dorjath.

"Her actions and subsequent national recognition is indicative of her personal dedication to this profession and a wonderful representation of our police department," Guenther said.