The Court Watch Partners organization celebrated its Second Annual Judicial Recognition Luncheon Wednesday by honoring three judges at the Mountain City Club.
Soddy Daisy City Court Judge David Norton was the recipient of the CWP's Outstanding Judge of the Year Award. The award was presented by General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon, who was last year's recipient. Judge Moon said, "There is very little positive recognition that lawyers and judges receive outside of the bar associations of their own professions. Therefore, the recognition given to these judges today by a citizens' organization is rare and special."
Sheriff Jim Hammond, the keynote speaker, said it had been a pleasure to work with the Hamilton County judiciary in a government involving law enforcement, judges and corrections. The sheriff said, "The operation is like a three-legged stool. All of the legs are needed for the support."
Mayor Ron Littlefield presented an Outstanding Service Award to Criminal Court Judge Don Poole. Mayor Littlefield said, "Judge Poole represents all that we as citizens would expect of a judge. He is cordial and all business."
County Mayor Claude Ramsey also presented an Outstanding Service Award to Red Bank City Judge Johnny Houston. County Mayor Ramsey said, "All of Hamilton County is proud of Judge Houston and his sincere dedication to public service."
CWP President Lee Tripp said, "The selection of these judges is based primarily upon our going into their courtrooms and evaluating their performances on such criteria as knowledge of the law and enforcement of the law."
Other officials in attendance were State Rep. Richard Floyd, Judges Christie Sell, David Bales and Sherry Paty, and Chief Alan Branum, who gave the invocation and benediction.