HENRY COUNTY: This week marks the final week of three people who served the citizens and guests of Henry County, Alabama for over 18 years. These three served with the strongest of definitions in Humility, Dedication, and a very STRONG SENSE OF JUSTICE.
These three are District Court Judge Derek Peterson; Circuit Court Clerk Shirlene Vickers; and Senior Judicial Assistant, Terry Thompson.
Judge Peterson and Circuit Clerk Shirlene Vickers did not seek re-election. They have served as elected officials in Henry County for 18 consecutive years. Both served as Republican elected officials. Circuit Clerk Shirlene Vickers holds the title of the first ever elected woman to public office in Henry County as a Republican.
Ms. Terry Thompson came on 18 years ago with Judge Peterson. She has served as the gatekeeper to Judge Peterson with class and dedicated service. Being a Judicial Assistant is a balancing act because people in court cases cannot just come into the Judge’s Office and discuss the legal matter at hand. Often times these are friends, but the Judge is bound to the Judicial Canon of Ethics. So as gatekeeper, it was Ms. Thompson’s duty to attempt to help them but shield the Judge so all was fair. She also made sure people understood the ethical boundaries and why so they would not leave mad. Terry Thompson served 18 consecutive years as Judicial Assistant to Judge Peterson.
Judge Peterson is one who I often described as a Judge you would still thank after sentencing you to death by lethal injection. Judge Derek Peterson was always kind and considerate. He is a balanced justice and a very smart man who knew how to navigate land mines in matters before the court.
Shirlene Vickers had 41.5 years as an employee State of Alabama, all in the Circuit Clerk Office in Henry County. Of those 41.5 years, 18 of those was as the elected Clerk. She was always diligent to her task of keeping all of the court records and dockets in order and everything on task. Being a Circuit Clerk is not a “position”, it is a job! During her 41.5 years and 18 as elected, Shirlene Vickers has gone above and beyond the call of duty in the performance of her job.
THANK YOU to all three of you. You have been the model for elected and appointed officials. You are the model for showing respect to the citizens that interact from all walks of life.
On January 7 there was a reception honoring these three dedicated public servants. Dr. Rich Hobson of the Alabama Administrative Office of the Courts traveled to Abbeville to present these three with plaques. Even Montgomery recognized the quality of these three public servants.
In closing, Well done thy good and faithful servants!!!
