UTPD Names Mueller Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

MISSION – Citing his outstanding character, the Umatilla Tribal Police Department (UTPD) named Officer Hans Mueller its Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

UTPD Patrol Sgt. Russell Holt said Mueller, who has been with the UTPD for more than three years, was nominated by several of his fellow officers for being a great team member and having excellent character in his work and personal lives.

“There was not one incident that made him stand out, but Officer Mueller demonstrates a consistent work ethic and high competency in his duties,” Holt said. “Officer Mueller consistently demonstrates key qualities associated with being a successful and model law enforcement officer. He is diligent in his work ethic and dedication to his duties and exercises good judgement while setting a positive standard for others to follow.”

For the honor, Mueller received a plaque on April 11 during a law enforcement/firefighters banquet at the Veteran of Foreign Wars in Pendleton.

“I haven’t been awarded something like this before. I didn’t expect to receive it at all,” said Mueller, who has spent his short career entirely with the UTPD. “It is humbling to get recognized by my supervisors and peers for something like this. I would attribute any success I’ve had this year to the other incredible officers I get to work with every day, and with the high standards we hold each other to. I am truly proud of the quality of police work the UTPD completes, and I’m proud to represent the CTUIR at the UTPD.”

Nominations for the award are received by the UTPD’s supervisory staff, Holt said. Based on the nominations, a consensus among supervisors is reached on who will be chosen for the award.

“Officer Mueller serves the UTPD and Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation with integrity, fairness, consistency and empathy. He is a great example of the high standards and expectations for officers of the Umatilla Tribal Police Department,” Holt said.

Some of the previous winners of the UTPD award are John Bustard (2025), William Morris (2024), Jonathan Elliot (2023), Tommy Thompson (2022), Jordan Williams (2021), Sam Williamson (2020) and Markus Williams (2019). 

The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation is comprised of the Cayuse, Walla Walla and Umatilla Tribes, and formed under the Treaty of 1855 at the Walla Walla Valley, 12 Stat. 945. In 1949, the Tribes adopted a constitutional form of government to protect, preserve and enhance the reserved treaty rights guaranteed under federal law.