By Shannon Sessions
For The Herald
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE —The domestic violence team of advocate Tammy McElyea and prosecutor Darrel Johnson recently won an award for going beyond the call of duty.
The two were unanimously voted by the Washington Women Lawyers of Snohomish County for helping victims of domestic violence, said Deanna Dawson, a lawyer and committee board member.
This is the first time the committee has given the award to two people, said Dawson, an Edmonds City Council member.
"They both were given the award because of the way they did things as a team," Dawson said.
They get in contact with victims before arraignment.
"They also stay involved much longer than most and follow through," Dawson said. "They’re also there more for the victim, so (the victim) doesn’t feel like they’re alone."
South District Court Judge Steve Dwyer agrees.
"After the sentencing process, the victim is sort of forgotten — but not in Mountlake Terrace," he said.
Dwyer added that because they’re involved from the beginning to the end, they also let the court know when things are getting better.
"A lot of cities choose not to do these things," he said, "and in tough economic times (Mountlake Terrace) still decided to make this a priority."
Dawson added, "I understand that (McElyea and Johnson) have an 81 percent conviction rating — which is outstanding and hard to do."
Johnson and McElyea’s effort isn’t overlooked at the police department either, police chief Scott Smith said.
"Our commitment to stopping domestic violence is a priority in this department, and we are going to continue to do everything that we can to put an end to a very horrible crime," Smith said.
He lauded the work of the two award winners.
"They have worked hard for this, and their dedication and passion is paying off in this community — but we still have a ways to go."
Shannon Sessions is the editor for the Lynnwood and Mountlake Terrace Enterprise Newspapers. Call her at 425-673-6531 or email at sessions@heraldnet.com.
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