Co-workers, friends and family show appreciation for outgoing Stephens County Judge Michael Roach
By Carla McKeown/Breckenridge Texan
In a few days, Stephens County Judge Michael Roach will serve his last day here, handing over the gavel to incoming county judge Will Thompson. Last week, the employees who work in the courthouse gathered, along with friends and family members, in the district courtroom to say goodbye to Roach and wish him well in his future endeavors.
Roach, who has been attending law school, will be moving to Montgomery, Texas, to pursue a law career.
Stephens County Attorney Gary Trammel speaks at a tribute to outgoing County Judge Michael Roach in the district courtroom. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
County Attorney Gary Trammel read a poem he wrote titled “Runaway Judge,” which touched on many of the defining moments of Roach’s county judge career, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and the 2021 winter storm known by many as “Snowmageddon.”
Others who spoke on April 2 included Justice of the Peace Steve Spoon and District Court Judge Phillip Gregory.
“I got to know Michael very early on, when I was the assistant district attorney. I came out of private practice and came here to Graham, and I was the ADA for eight years under Dee Peavy. He and I, our pathways kind of ran about the same time period, and I got to know him as he was the JP,” Gregory said, turning to address Roach directly. “And you and I got very adept at calling each other when we had questions about JP, arraignments, anything involved in the law, we just figured it out.”
District Court Judge Phillip Gregory talks about how he and Stephens County Judge Michael Roach, seated at right, have often consulted with each other during the past several years. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Gregory went on to say that he believes that God put Roach in the Breckenridge community for a purpose and that there’s a plan for the next stage of his life. “I’m very proud to know you, and I’m glad to consider you a brother,” Gregory said. “You have a lot of people here that love you. … I love you, and I’m proud of you.”
Melanie Berry with Rep. Roger Williams’ office also attended the event and presented Roach with a flag from the U.S. congressman. “It is my great honor to present you with this United States flag that has flown over the United States Capitol two weeks ago today, on Thursday, March 19,” she said. “The flag is presented in recognition of your 12 years, four years as … justice of the peace and then as county judge, a dedicated service to Stephens County and your … unwavering commitment to justice and your profound contributions to your state and to your community. … May this flag serve as a lasting symbol (for your) distinguished career and your steadfast defense of your county and your community.”
Roach then addressed the small crowd, thanking the people he has worked with in one way or another over the past several years. “It’s been a pleasure and honor to serve with you,” he said. “I’m not going to miss being on a ballot, I can promise you that, but I’m going to miss all of you. You’re incredible people. I got to know a lot of you and your families, what you give to this community and the sacrifices you make … It’s been an amazing journey.”
Friends and co-workers posed for a picture with Stephens County Judge Michael Roach during an appreciation event on April 2. Roach is resigning from the county judge position to pursue a law career. Pictured, from left, are incoming county judge Will Thompson, County Commissioner Mark McCullough, Michael Roach, County Commissioner Will Warren, Commissioners Court Administrator Cecelia Gonzales, County Commissioner Tanner Wade (back row), County Clerk Jackie Ensey (front row), County Commissioner David Fambro, Justice of the Peace Steve Spoon, and County Attorney Gary Trammel. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Stephens County Judge Michael Roach speaks to the co-workers, family and friends who gathered in the district courtroom on April 2 to show their appreciation for him and his work. He is resigning from the position this month. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
The crowd in the district courtroom last week gave outgoing county judge Michael Roach (seated, center) a standing ovation in appreciation for the work he’s done for the county. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Melanie Berry with Rep. Roger Williams’ office also attended the event and presented Stephens County Judge Michael Roach with a flag and certificate from the U.S. congressman in appreciation for his service to the county and state. Also pictured is the judge’s son, Levi Roach. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
Cutline, top photo: Stephens County Judge Michael Roach talks to everyone assembled in the district courtroom last week. The crowd of friends, family and co-workers came together to bid farewell to the judge, who is resigning this month to pursue a career as a lawyer. (Photo by Tony Pilkington/Breckenridge Texan)
