Page 27 - Pierce County Lawyer - January February 2025

End of an Era...
By Catherine Case
Pierce County Superior Court had four judicial vacancies
in December. Judge Garold Johnson retired in August and
Judge Edmund Murphy, Judge Bryan Chushcoff, and Judge
Gretchen Leanderson retired in December. A celebration was
held on December 20, 2024 to honor these judges for their years
they have served Pierce County and to solidify the end of an era.
The celebration was full of laughter, many stories, and even some
tears. All in all, the common theme was that these individuals
have impacted so many lives for the better and will be terribly
missed. Judge Sorenson did an amazing job as MC, detailing not
only great deeds and works, but also including humorous lessons.
The event was hosted at the Armory next to the courthouse and
was filled with family members, friends and colleagues.
While everyone is sad for the Judges to retire and leave us, I
would like to congratulate Judge Scott Peters, Judge Rebecca
Reeder, Judge Ingrid McLeod and Judge Philip Thornton for
stepping into these shoes and starting this new
chapter in Tacoma-Pierce County.
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