PORT ANGELES — Ron Sukert’s career as a Clallam County corrections officer is captured by the symbols inside a glass shadowbox that he received Tuesday.
The retiring jail superintendent held virtually every position in the Clallam County jail during his 37 years of service, including the last 11 years as chief corrections deputy, and garnered a bevy of awards along the way.
“Everyone knew he was in charge,” Sheriff Bill Benedict said during a ceremony at the county commissioners’ meeting.
“He just ran a smooth, well-oiled machine.”
A crowd of nearly 100, including many current and retired law enforcement officers, packed the commissioners’ meeting room to bid farewell to Sukert, who received a shadowbox depicting his career.
Sukert was joined at the podium by Gail Sukert, his wife of 42 years.
“It’s said that behind every good man, there stands a woman rolling her eyes,” Sukert quipped.
“I’ve been fortunate for 42 years to have that rock behind me.”
Ron Sukert graduated from Sequim High School in 1973 and entered the Air Force in 1975. He worked as a carpenter’s apprentice before becoming a corrections officer in 1980.
Sukert was promoted to sergeant in 1982. He became chief corrections deputy, also known as jail superintendent, in November 2006.
“In the 11 years now that he has been running the jail, I’ve seen nothing but smooth professionalism,” Benedict said.
Sukert’s last day is June 30. His successor will be current Clallam County Corrections Sgt. Wendy Peterson.
“Several sergeants applied and she was selected,” Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King said after the meeting.
Sukert received from Commissioner Mark Ozias a frame etching of the historic courthouse.
Benedict presented his friend and colleague of 22 years with the Sheriff’s Star for 37 years of “sustained meritorious service.”
While working at the jail, Sukert received letters of recognition from U.S. Sen. Patty Murray and state Sen. Paul Connors. He also received recognition from former President Bill Clinton for a community drug prevention award that he had received, the sheriff’s office said in a June 8 news release.
Sukert was tabbed as the sheriff’s office employee of the year in 1989. He received numerous other departmental awards and letters of commendation, the sheriff’s office said.
Earlier this year, Sukert was named Officer of the Year by the Sequim Sunrise Rotary Club.
“Throughout his career, Chief Sukert has been recognized for his knowledge, technical expertise and professional accomplishments by peers, citizens and officials at all levels, including the state and U.S. senators and representatives,” said Benedict while reading the Sheriff’s Star citation.
“He’s been instrumental in forging effective partnerships and agreements with outside government and businesses to save the sheriff’s office and taxpayers an incalculable amount of money.”
For instance, said Benedict, Sukert helped mend an old rift between the sheriff’s office and the state Department of Corrections, which has helped the county financially.
The 120-bed Clallam County jail receives about one-fourth of its revenue from housing DOC inmates who would otherwise be held at the Clallam Bay Corrections Center, Kitsap County or elsewhere, Benedict said.
“This is a huge deal for the taxpayers,” Benedict said of the relationship with DOC.
Benedict described the Clallam County jail as “one of the most professional in the state.”
The jail is on track to becoming the first county jail in the state to be accredited by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Benedict said.
“People will tell you that the sheriff’s biggest real concern is the jail,” Benedict said.
“That’s where you’re going to get sued. That’s where bad things happen. I’m very proud to say that while we don’t have a perfect record with lawsuits, the lawsuits have been minimal, extremely minimal.”
Sukert said it was “very moving” to see so many familiar faces in the audience.
In retirement, Sukert and his wife plan to spend more time with family, including their 7-year-old granddaughter.
“It has been a good run,” Sukert said.
“It’s been a good career. It’s been good to me, to my family.”
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsula dailynews.com.
