Blair County Judges Honor Courthouse Staff for 'Making the Place Work'

Blair County's five judges paid tribute to their staff and the departments that take on the task of ensuring justice is served with fairness and compassion, on Tuesday afternoon, March 11.

For the 13th year, the men and women who sit on the bench held a State of the Court reception to recognize the courthouse departments and staff who help keep the wheels of justice turning.

This year's theme, "Positive Employees Build Positive Outcome," brought the departments together, not only to receive recognition for their work, but to learn about the work their colleagues do in other offices.

The departments that fall under the direction of the court – Juvenile Probation; Adult Parole and Probation; Domestic Relations; Court Administration; and Cost and Fines – and the staff who work in each judges courtroom were honored.

District Court Administrator Janice Meadows said bringing everyone together to appreciate their efforts is the idea behind the assembly.

"The purpose of the State of the Courts is to bring together staff who undertake a shared mission," she said. "We work to serve justice. It's a time to learn about each department and the employees who are the greatest asset to the judiciary."

Meadows said that the Blair County court has the highest volume of cases than any other fifth-class county, and acknowledged the difficult task the staff face every day.

"Court work is hard work, and meaningful work," she said. "It deals with the most personal aspects of people's lives."

Judge Daniel Milliron said that although the judges are out front, it is the court staff who keep the things running effectively.

"We get to wear these fancy black robes," he said. "All of you are what makes this place work."

Judge Timothy Sullivan said it didn't take him long after assuming the bench to figure out how vital the court staff is to the justice system.

"I learned very quickly here that you are only as efficient and productive as you allow us to be. So thank you," he said.

Judge Wade Kagarise told the employees he is thankful not only for what they do, but for the opportunity to tell them in person.

"We at the court appreciate everything you do for us on a daily basis," he said. "With the exception of ceremonies like this, we don't get a chance to thank you all collectively for what you do."

Judge Kagarise told the Herald that the county disposes of more than 2,500 criminal cases a year.

Blair County's newest judge, Jackie Bernard, told the employees that she notices and appreciates the time and effort they put into their jobs.

"I just want to say from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for all the long hours, working when you thought no one noticed, because someone did," she said. "Thank you for serving the citizens of Blair County and the court system with a smile."

President Judge Elizabeth Doyle presented the "Raising the Bar" award to Esther Myers, a receptionists and clerical assistant in the court administration office.

Judge Doyle said Myers exemplifies the dedication the entire court staff possesses through her "outstanding work, positive attitude and willingness to go the extra mile."

Blair County Commissioners Terry Tomassetti, Bruce Erb and Ted Beam also paid tribute to the court staff.

"County government, like all levels of government, is a service operation," Tomassetti said. "It's very important to recognize the employees who are at the core of the success of providing that service. They are the unseen heroes; they are in the trenches."

Erb said he appreciates the dedication and professionalism of the court staff.

"They have to work under a lot of pressure," he said. "They always come through and perform in a way that is keeping with serving justice. We are very proud of them."

Beam agreed, saying the court employees are who hold the court together.

"As the judges alluded to, the staff is what makes the court work," he said. "The judges preside over the court, but the staff is where the nuts and bolts are done and they do a great job."

Judge Doyle said the court is in "excellent shape" and credits the entire court staff for its success.

"The state of the court is that we are in a fabulous state due to our wonderful employees," she said. "We are keeping the community safe through adult and juvenile probation, we are collecting costs and fines and child support and we are helping parents solve their custody cases. Thank you all, from the judges collectively. You make us look good every day. Our job is made so much easier because of you."