Kim Fundingsland/MDN FBI special agent, Amy Chandler, Minot, was awarded Law Officer of the Year, Wednesday at Minot’s Grand Hotel.

Amy Chandler, Federal Bureau of Investigations special agent, Minot, has been named recipient of the Law Officer of the Year award by the Optimist Club of Minot. Chandler received the award at the club’s Respect For Law luncheon held Wednesday at Minot’s Grand Hotel.

“I was surprised. Very surprised,” said Chandler shortly after receiving the honor in front of members of several law enforcement agencies.

Chandler was nominated for her work on a case involving the sexual abuse of a nine-year-old. Her work resulted in a conviction.

“That wouldn’t have happened without her dedication to that kid and making sure that kid got justice,” said Dan Genck, FBI supervisory special agent. “She embodies the very best of what we do as an agency. This case was not just putting a guy in jail. It was dealing with a real person that is the victim of a crime and nobody does that better than Amy.”

Chandler, who has been with the FBI for more than eight years, said one of the reasons she joined the bureau was to have the opportunity to help children. She also gave credit to others for helping her bring the case for which she was nominated to a successful conclusion.

“I worked with a lot of great people on that case,” said Chandler.

Other nominees for the Law Officer of the Year were Master Sgt. Jeff Howard, Minot Air Force Base 5th Security Forces, Sgt. Matt McLeod, Minot Police, and Deputy Jared Olson, Ward County Sheriff’s Office.