One of the longest serving elected officials in Whitman County is retiring after 28 years in public office.

Gary Boone, Fire District 12 Commissioner, cited health reasons during the commissioners meeting Tuesday.

“Gary was great with our department and we’re sorry to see him step down and we hope he enjoys his retirement,” said Lester Erwin, Fire Chief of District 12.

Lee Druffel, who has previously run for fire commissioner, was appointed to fill the District 12 seat at the meeting Tuesday. Druffel is a former volunteer and training captain for the fire department.

Reporting by Rebecca White