Bill Benedict said it was a run-in with the law of sorts that inspired his two-and-a-half decade career in law enforcement.

At the time, Benedict — a former U.S. Navy pilot and high school teacher — and his wife Kathy were living on a houseboat while their Sequim-area home was being built.

One day, he recalled finding a ticket on their boat. That led to a conversation with the ticketing deputy, who explained the infraction … and then offered a ride-along.

“I thought, ‘Hell, this is for me’,” Benedict recalled last week to a room packed with friends, family, colleagues past and present, as they celebrated the retirement of their Clallam County Sheriff.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Bill Benedict thanks coworkers, colleagues and friends at a retirement party in Port Angeles on Dec. 27. Benedict steps down from 25 years in law enforcement, the past 16 as Clallam County’s elected sheriff.

Benedict drew praise and well-wishes at the Clallam County commissioners’ meeting and retirement party on Dec. 27 as he ended his fourth four-year term, after serving the longest tenure of any Clallam County sheriff.

“What a journey,” he said.

Benedict, 72, was Clallam County Sheriff for 16 years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree, in applied physics (oceanography and meteorology) from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., before starting with the Clallam office in 1995.

He first was elected in 2006, defeating incumbent Joe Martin before running unopposed in 2010 and 2014. In 2018, he won with a large majority against Jim McLaughlin in 2018.

Outgoing Clallam County sheriff Bill Benedict, right, receives parting gifts from Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias at a special recognition presentation during a commissioners meeting in Port Angeles on Dec. 27.

He then backed Chief Criminal Deputy Brian King, who won election to the post in November.

“We have basically been training him for this job for the past eight years,” Benedict said in praise of King.

“As you can tell by the election results, the community is very comfortable bringing him in as sheriff-elect.”

Super support

Benedict said he was fortunate to work with a large number of key support staff. His job, he said was to take care of “externalities” — the county commissioners, the public, the politicians — so staff could get their work done.

In particular he praised three “Rons” (undersheriff Ron Cameron, former undersheriff Ron Peregrin and Chief Corrections Deputy Ron Sukert) as well as administrative manager Lorraine Shore and Chief Civil Deputy Alice Hoffman.

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

“I’ve truly been blessed,” Benedict said. “It truly makes my head want to swell.”

Sequim Gazette photos by Michael Dashiell Outgoing Clallam County sheriff Bill Benedict, right, looks at a variety of gifts and tributes at a retirement party on Dec. 27 in Port Angeles. Pictured with Benedict is wife Kathy and longtime friend Jack Flanagan.

Benedict’s retirement drew dozens of current and former colleagues, including former Clallam County Sheriff Joe Hawe, as well as a number of sheriff’s office volunteers.

“We couldn’t do what we do [without them],” Benedict said.

The retiring sheriff received accolades from several community leaders including W. Ron Allen, chairman and CEO of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, who lauded Benedict for his efforts to work with the tribe to help provide law enforcement coverage at and around the tribe’s Blyn campus.

“Nothing is more important than public safety,” Allen said. “That partnership was a big deal; it works.

“It provided us the comfort … of public safety. Not a lot of people understand Indian law [but] your team does.”

Benedict also received praise and well-wishes from police chiefs Brian King (Port Angeles) and Sheri Crain (Sequim), Clallam County prosecutor/coroner Mark Nichols and David Neupert, Clallam County District Court I Judge.

“I’ve known Bill as a friend, and I’m better off for having known you,” Neupert said.

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Outgoing Clallam County sheriff Bill Benedict, right, accepts a framed tribute from Washington State Patrol Sgt. James Mjor at a retirement party on Dec. 27 in Port Angeles.

“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.

Benedict said he and Kathy, his wife of about 44 years, plan to head out on a long trip to San Diego and then Florida in early 2023.

In presenting Benedict with some keepsakes, Clallam County Commissioner Mark Ozias noted: “It’s my honor to acknowledge your service to the county and the county. I hope you and your family can enjoy a little relaxation that is so well deserved.”

Peach praised

Colleague also paid thanks at the Dec. 27 commissioners meeting to Bill Peach, a Forks Republican who lost his re-election bid this November to Democrat Mike French of Port Angeles.

Outgoing Clallam County commissioner Bill Peach speaks at a commissioners meeting in Port Angeles on Dec. 27.

Peach 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.

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

Sequim Gazette photo by Michael Dashiell / Outgoing Clallam County commissioner Bill Peach, foreground, accepts some keepsakes from fellow commissioner Mark Ozias at a commissioners meeting in Port Angeles on Dec. 27.

Said 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.”

Peninsula Trails Coalition president Jeff Bohman 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.”

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