by David Flint
“I don’t think there’s another one in the State,” said Dennis Quinn, President of the New York State Magistrates Association when presenting a 50 year service pin to Wesley Edwards. The occasion was a retirement reception held at the Stephentown Fire Hall on Sunday, November 2, to honor Edwards, who at the end of the year will step down from the bench, having completed actually 51 years as judge in Stephentown.
[private]Court Clerk Tammy Whitman organized the reception and saw to it that Edwards’ family was there, from Guilderland, Virginia and North Carolina, along with a remarkable collection of judges from far and wide.
Town Supervisor Larry Eckhardt introduced the speakers but then had to leave for another commitment.
County Executive Kathy Jimino presented a Certificate of Congratulations, saying it was a testament to the esteem they hold for him that so many of his fellow judges were present. “You have done your job with intellect and compassion along with a determination that public safety be served. You have been an example for so many. Thank you to your wife and family for sharing you with us for 50 years,” she said.
Bruce Wagner, Schodack Town Justice and President of the Rensselaer County Magistrates Association, presented a plaque with gavel from the Magistrates. “We are thankful for having you as one of our leaders for the last 50 years,” he said.
David Dellehunt, representing the Third Judicial District of the New York State Unified Court System, presented a Certificate for “50 years of dedicated service to the New York State Court System and in acknowledgement of his integrity, dedication and loyalty to his work in Stephentown Town Court.” Dellehunt noted that town and village justices are the ones closest to the people and it is often a difficult job, one that has become much more complex. “That he has served 50 years is a testament to him and his family. We will miss him,” he added.
Edwards’ associate judge in Stephentown, Cyril Grant, was emotional as he declared that, “I certainly have had the honor and privilege for the last 15 years to serve with a true gentleman, someone who took me under his wing and along with long time Court Clerk Debbie Coppola, they trained me…and made sure I could carry on.” Grant thanked Edwards for his 50 years of service and dedication and “for your support to me as your co-judge…and for your support of the court system in Stephentown, which I think is very professional and well run.”
George Eckhardt, former Town Supervisor, recalled that he served with Wes when judges were on the Town Board. “It was a pleasure serving with you,” he said, “I don’t think anyone else is left, except you and I, that served back in that day.”
Wes Edwards himself concluded the speech making. “I’m a man of few words,” he said. “But this day I have my family, my friends, my associates – it sure is a big day! I am proud to have served all of you.”
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