Former San Juan County Sheriff Bill Cumming was honored today at the state capitol for his many years of public service.

On Friday, the state Senate passed SB 8629, a resolution which recognizes Cumming for his dedication and for his legacy in 24 years as the top law enforcement official of the county.

Cumming, elected to six consecutive terms in public office, carries the distinction as the second-longest serving sheriff in state history. Though he hung up his badge and service revolver, Cumming is still in the front-line of public service as an elected official of the San Juan Island Parks and Recreation District, aka Island Rec.

“Bill is tough when needed, but also knows when to give a kid a break and understands the needs of a sensitive community,” state Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Island, said at today’s ceremony in Olympia. “His legacy is his dedication of service.”

In 2009, Cumming oversaw 36 full-time employees and managed a budget totaling $2.3 million.

“It’s a great honor to be a guest of the Washington state Senate today,” Cumming said. “It is especially meaningful to be honored by such a close friend in Senator Ranker. I wish the legislature good luck as they grapple with the public safety issues critical to the well-being of all Washingtonians.”