Clallam County honors sheriff, commissioner with ceremonies

Careers of outgoing elected officials are remembered

Outgoing Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict, right, looks at a variety of gifts and tributes at a retirement party on Tuesday in Port Angeles. Pictured with Benedict is wife, Kathy, and longtime friend Jack Flanagan. (Michael Dashiell/Olympic Peninsula News Group)

Outgoing Clallam County Sheriff Bill Benedict, right, looks at a variety of gifts and tributes at a retirement party on Tuesday in Port Angeles. Pictured with Benedict is wife, Kathy, and longtime friend Jack Flanagan. (Michael Dashiell/Olympic Peninsula News Group)

PORT ANGELES — An overflow crowd of between 80 and 100 people gathered Tuesday morning in the Clallam County Commissioners meeting room to say goodbye to two longtime Clallam County officials, Sheriff Bill Benedict and County Commissioner Bill Peach.

Benedict attracted a virtual who’s who of Clallam County law enforcement, past and present. He was ending his fourth four-year term after serving the longest tenure of any Clallam County sheriff.

Benedict, 72, was Clallam County sheriff for 16 years. He first was elected in 2006, defeating incumbent Joe Martin and running unopposed in 2010 and 2014 and winning with a large majority against Jim McLaughlin in 2018. He backed Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King, who won election to the post in November.

“You put so much trust in us. We’re going to miss you,” said Undersheriff Ron Cameron. “Thank you for making this the best agency in the state.”

Said Allen: “You and your team made a big difference because of your dedication to a cause. We had a great relationship.”

“I’m here to say goodbye to a friend,” said Port Angeles Police Chief Brian Smith.

Clallam County District Court I Judge David Neupert said, “I’ve known Bill as a friend and I’m better off for having known you.

“You’ve been able to attract and retain really good people. You’ve left the sheriff’s office in better shape than when you got there.”

Sequim Police Chief Sheri Crain pointed out that the sheriff’s office is one of less than 70 accredited law enforcement agencies in the state and one of the few accredited jails, adding that this shows the level of respect people have for him.

Commissioner Mark Ozias, a Democrat who represents District 1, said: “It’s my honor today to acknowledge your many years of service,” before presenting Benedict with an etching of the courthouse and a coffee mug.

Benedict said: “I really appreciate the compliments from my peers. Truly, truly, I’ve been blessed with two of the best undersheriffs on the planet,” referring to former Undersheriff Ron Peregrine and current Undersheriff Ron Cameron.

“What a journey,” Benedict said.

“I look forward to being retired,” he added.

He and his wife Kathy were going to load up the recreational vehicle and head down to San Diego and then to Florida, he said.

After the ceremony, an official retirement party for Benedict, who began his career with the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office in 1995, and his wife was held in the Emergency Operations Center in the courthouse basement.

Peach appreciated

Clallam County District 3 Commissioner Bill Peach speaks to a packed room at the Clallam County Courthouse on Tuesday as he and Sheriff Bill Benedict are honored for their years of service. A number of community leaders were present to thank Peach for his time as commissioner. (Peter Segall/Peninsula Daily News)

Clallam County District 3 Commissioner Bill Peach speaks to a packed room at the Clallam County Courthouse on Tuesday as he and Sheriff Bill Benedict are honored for their years of service. A number of community leaders were present to thank Peach for his time as commissioner. (Peter Segall/Peninsula Daily News)

Peach, a Forks Republican who lost his re-election bid this November to Democrat Mike French of Port Angeles, had served since 2014 representing District 3, which includes the West End and western Port Angeles.

“This is one time I’ve been looking forward to and not looking forward to,” Ozias said. “There has been one constant, and that has been you. I’ve been longer with you than with anyone else in my professional life.”

“We might have different letters after our names, but we share interests and priorities,” Ozias said.

“You have a heart bigger than anyone I’ve met,” he said. “It’s been an absolute honor and a pleasure to be your colleague.”

Said W. Ron Allen, Jamestown S’Klallam tribal chairman and CEO: “Public service is a special calling and you’ve risen to it. I know you care. You’ve been an amazing leader.”

Jeff Bohman, Peninsula Trails Coalition president, said: “I thank you very much for the (Olympic Discovery Trail) and all your other leadership.”

Former Legislative District 24 representative Jim Buck of Joyce said Peach’s service has been “exemplary.”

Peach, 67, received an etching and a coffee mug.

“The county’s future is in good hands because of the quality of its people,” he said.

________

Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.

More in News

A street sweeper on I Street in Port Angeles cleans up the street along the curbs of all the debris that blew down during Tuesday evening’s storm. Thousands were without power at the peak of the storm. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Storm causes power outages, road closures

Smaller weather system may hit Friday

Port Angeles funds lodging tax requests

Sixteen applications to undergo review

Port Townsend’s Water Street sewer project gets funds

City council authorizes contracts; construction to start in January

Port of Port Angeles commissioners approve 2025 budget

Board OKs project that would treat seawater to make it less acidic

Two injured after truck collides with tree

Two people were injured when the truck in which… Continue reading

Power out for thousands in Clallam County

More than 11,000 electric meters were without power in… Continue reading

Shay-Lyn Szczepanik and her daughter Raelynn, 5, of Port Angeles are wind blown as they try to watch the wild waves at the base of Ediz Hook on Tuesday as the storm approaches. Many other weather watchers went to the spit to see and feel the winds. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Storm surge

Shay-Lyn Szczepanik and her daughter Raelynn, 5, of Port Angeles are wind… Continue reading

Fire Marshal and floodplain administrator Phil Cecere answers questions with deputy floodplain administrator Greg Ballard on Monday night in Brinnon. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Jefferson commissioners update flood code

More than 70 people attend hearing in Brinnon

PASD board accepts Brewer’s resignation

School officials highlight performance of Native American students

Port Angeles lifts Stage III water restrictions

The city of Port Angeles has lifted all of… Continue reading

Chipotle Mexican Grill opens today at 2021, Suite B, U.S. Highway 101 in Port Angeles. The fast food restaurant features freshly prepared burritos, burrito bowls, salads and tacos. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Chipotle opens in Port Angeles

Chipotle Mexican Grill opens today at 2021, Suite B, U.S. Highway 101… Continue reading

Agnes Kioko and Regina Mbaluku of Kenya and Bonita Piper, board president of Path From Poverty, right, meet with Sequim volunteers who cut and sell wood as a fundraiser. (Michael Dashiell/Olympic Peninsula News Group)
Connection helps Kenyan women with opportunities, relationships

This effort, gifts from thousands of miles away, aren’t just… Continue reading