Sequim has lost one of its own to the lure of the big city.

Detective Kori Malone, a nine-year veteran of the Sequim Police Department, has left to take a job with the Port Angeles Police Department.

She began her new job as a patrol officer on Monday, Oct. 5.

Malone, 32, began with the department in 2000 as an officer and became a detective in March 2007.

She was honored at the Sept. 28 council meeting with a commendation and a proclamation.

Police Chief Robert Spinks said as a field training officer, Malone trained several of the department's current officers.

Then as a detective, she quickly immersed herself in investigations of child abuse, sexual offense and domestic violence cases, he said.

Malone was recognized by Healthy Families of Clallam County in October 2008 with one of 13 Gratitude Awards for extraordinary work with domestic violence victims.

Spinks said Malone's tireless work and endless empathy ensured the respect of other law enforcement agencies and produced a 100-percent conviction rate.

"Your departure will create a huge void in a quite small department and I'm sure we'll talk about that with the council in the future," he said.

As she accepted the proclamation and commendation, a choked-up Malone said she was sad to be leaving but glad that she still would be local.

The Sequim Police Department now has 22 employees who include 19 commissioned officers plus two record clerks and the administrative assistant position. One position was lost to attrition in 2007 and another one never was filled.

Reach Brian Gawley at bgawley@sequimgazette.com.