PORT ANGELES — Ann Lundwall received a standing ovation Tuesday for her service as a Clallam County deputy prosecuting attorney and future service as a victims’ advocate in the U.S. Navy.
Lundwall, a lieutenant commander and Navy Reserve officer, has accepted an assignment with the Navy’s newly formed Victims’ Legal Counsel program, which provides legal advice and advocacy for victims of sexual assault.
Her seven-year stint with Clallam County ends Monday.
“Someone once told me that there’s no higher compliment as a manager than to have your people hired away from you by other agencies,” said Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Mark Nichols, who introduced Lundwall to a room full of attorneys, law enforcement officials and county staff at the weekly commissioners’ meeting.
“I’m hard pressed to argue this point, especially at a time like this. We are proud of Ann for earning this exciting career opportunity and admire her for her service to the county.”
Nichols said the Navy approached Lundwall about the assignment “based on her knowledge and expertise of prosecuting violent crimes and sex crimes.”
Presented with plaque
He presented Lundwall with a plaque on behalf of county Prosecuting Attorney Deb Kelly, who has been working on a double-murder trial in Kitsap County.
“We wish to express our gratitude and appreciation for the time, effort and expertise that you have given to the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office,” the plaque reads.
“You have been steadfast in your performance of the duties required of a deputy prosecuting attorney, and demonstrated exceptional public service.”
Nichols added: “We’re going to miss you.”
Lundwall described her experience working for the county as “absolutely extraordinary.”
“This is probably the best group of people I’ve ever worked with,” she said.
“And also, I can’t say enough about the law enforcement that I’ve worked with over the years. You truly are an elite group.”
Lundwall said she was “consistently impressed” with the diligence and commitment of local law enforcement.
“I’m only as good as the tools I’ve been given, and I have been given some good tools as far as being able to deal with some truly complex and difficult cases,” Lundwall said.
“And I’m going to miss all of you very much.”
Said Port Angeles Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith: “We greatly appreciated her work.”
“She took some of the toughest cases we had,” Smith said.
When asked if there were any particular cases that stood out to her, Lundwall said, “There have been a lot over the years.”
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney John Troberg said his colleague has a “very special skill set” in her ability to work with victims of sexual assault. He added that Lundwall is “very hard-working” and “very knowledgeable.”
“She would do an excellent job assisting victims in military cases,” Troberg said.
“We’re sorry to see her leave, but it’s a good career opportunity for her.”
Nichols said the Victims’ Legal Counsel program will consist of a “small cadre of specially trained, independent judge advocates who will provide legal support to eligible victims of sexual assault.”
29 advocates
Initially, the program will have 29 advocates assigned to the U.S., Europe, Middle East and elsewhere, according to an Aug. 9 announcement from the Navy.
The program is part of the Navy’s Sexual Assault Prevention and Response initiative.
Lundwall said she was not authorized to discuss the details of her new assignment.
“Congratulations on your upcoming active duty as a naval officer,” said Commissioner Jim McEntire, a retired Coast Guard captain.
“I know for sure you’re going to be doing some really terrific and important work on the part of the Navy and probably DOD [Department of Defense] at large.
“So Godspeed to you. Thank you for your work.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
