PORT ANGELES — A much-decorated Clallam County Sheriff’s Office employee is retiring after 37 years of service.
Jail Superintendent Ron Sukert’s last day will be June 30.
Clallam County commissioners will honor him at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St.
A lifelong county resident and Sequim High School graduate (Class of 1973), Sukert began his career in 1980 as a Corrections Officer, the first hired for the new jail.
In January 1982, he was promoted to the rank of sergeant. After serving as a sergeant for nearly 25 years, he was selected as Chief Corrections Deputy in November 2006.
Prior to joining the Sheriff’s Office, he had been a carpenter’s apprentice for two years with Local 1303. Between 1975-1981, he served four years on active duty with the United States Air Force, followed by two years as a reserve. While in the Air Force, he received a USAF Commendation Award.
After graduating from Sequim High, Sukert earned an Associate of Arts degree in law enforcement in 1987 from Peninsula College.
Sukert was selected as the Employee of the Year in 1989. Among other departmental awards and recognitions earned were numerous letters and commendations, including the Wally Davis and Kristine Fairbanks Campaign Ribbons.
He also received a Presidential Recognition Award from former President Bill Clinton and letters of Recognition from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and state Sen. Paul Connors.
Earlier this year, he was selected as the Officer of the Year by the Sequim Sunrise Rotary Club.
During his extensive career with the Sheriff’s Office, co-workers said, Sukert encountered several challenges including the rising population of mentally ill and drug-addicted offenders.
Sukert said he will miss the daily interactions with his fellow co-workers within the department and noted the “great experience of working with so many positive, professional and dedicated county employees from all departments.”
Sukert and his wife, Gail, have a son, a daughter-in-law and 7-month-old granddaughter.
“It has been absolute personal and professional pleasures to have had Ron Sukert serve as my Chief Corrections Deputy for the past 11 years,” Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict said.
“I consider Ron both a good friend and a consummate professional, who has had a tremendously positive impact on the Sheriff’s Office for over 37 years.
“We will miss him greatly, but will realize that he has left a legacy that will continue his many great accomplishments.”
