Judge Honored for 16 Years of Service

With balloons on the bench and cake and punch on a table off to the side, Calhoun County Probate Court Judge Gary Reed entered his courtroom Friday to applause.

More than 150 people were there to mark Reed's retirement at midnight from the bench after 16 years.

While his wife, mother, brothers, fellow judges, lawyers, staff and friends looked on, several speakers said Reed, who sat as a Juvenile Court Judge in the Family Division of Circuit Court, was fair and compassionate from the bench, especially dealing with children.

Reed said his greatest satisfaction was "protecting kids from harm from others and sometimes from themselves."

Reed's term does not end until Dec. 31, but state officials have not made an appointment to replace him and his duties have been spread among other judges.

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Judge Honored for 16 Years of Service