ST. MARIES — As he looked out at the community members who had gathered to celebrate his nearly 50 years of leadership and service in Benewah County, Jack Buell smiled.

“I’m not supposed to cry here,” he said. “I’m having a hell of a time.”

The longest-serving county commissioner in Idaho, Buell is retiring. He attended his final county commissioners meeting as chairman Dec. 30.

Buell was presented Friday with the Idaho Distinguished Service Medal. It’s the highest military award that can be given to a civilian based on their dedicated service.

Brad Richy, director of the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, said Buell has an unparalleled understanding of his community and its needs.

“Commissioner Buell will always be a person who has the utmost integrity, the utmost dedication,” Richy said. “He was a person I could always count on.”

Since he became a commissioner in 1974, Buell has helped see Benewah County through numerous disasters, from ashfall in the ‘80s to flooding in the ‘90s and more.

Jay Baker, the Northern Area Field Officer for the Idaho Office of Emergency Management, said the experience and wisdom Buell gained over the years are invaluable.

“Seeing that institutional knowledge go away is a little scary,” he said. “He will be missed. He’s always been a great partner with the Idaho Office of Emergency Management.”

Benewah County Sheriff Dave Resser was also honored at Friday’s reception.

After more than 20 years in law enforcement in Benewah and Shoshone counties, including eight years as sheriff, Resser will retire.

This period of transition is bittersweet, he said.

“I’m looking forward to retiring, but I know there are things I’m going to miss,” he said. “All good things must come to an end.”

Resser’s wife, Gail, said his retirement marks a time of change for her, as well.

“He has tech guys at the office if he has a problem with a computer or his phone. Now he only has me,” she said with a laugh.

Though Buell has retired, that doesn’t mean his work is done.

“Politically, there’s things we need to do,” he said.

For now, he’s focused on increasing safety on the roads of St. Maries, such as by adding turnouts.

“We need a lot of things on the road. We’ve got three times the traffic we normally have,” he said. “That’s what I’m going to concentrate on.”

Buell said he felt humbled and honored to see his community gather for his retirement.

“I love everybody here,” he said. “I love everybody in the county.”