Reflecting on my time as Camp County Judge

By THOMAS CRAVEY Special to The Gazette

My public service tenure began in 1985 as a Camp County Reserve Deputy Sheri and has been continuous in various positions since. Those positions included a year as patrol deputy and ve years as Chief Deputy Sheri with responsibilities of jail supervision and investigations. at was followed with four years as Countywide Constable. In August 2008 I was appointed to ll the vacancy created by the death of the former County Judge. The Constitutional County Judge in Camp County has jurisdiction of misdemeanor criminal, some civil, juvenile detention, probate, and guardianship cases. I was reasonably comfortable with the criminal court proceeding from my law enforcement background and prior experience in the courtrooms. The other cases put me outside my comfort zone and required considerable research and preparation. Just as there are no routine traffic stops, there are no routine days in the County Judge’s office. My office was located on the top floor of the courthouse. Somehow, the many varied crises our county residents encountered always seemed to rise to the top floor. I recall one of my frequent questions to my long- term administrative assistant, “Are you sure I’m supposed to be doing this?” Her response was always, “Yes, no one else does it, so it must be one of your duties.”

To continue reading this article, purchase the print edition of The Pittsburg Gazette or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Pittsburg%20GazetteID315/default.aspx