Bonham -- After being elected to five terms totaling 20 years of public service as Justice of the Peace for Precinct 1, Fannin County, Texas, Judge Joe C. Dale has made the decision to let this be his last term.

"I am thankful to all of the citizens of Precinct 1 and every other citizen on the county for your support and vote of confidence that gave me the privilege to serve," stated Judge Dale. "I am eternally grateful for any thing you have done on my behalf."

After working at TXU for 22 1/2 years, the idea of becoming a Justice of the Peace first captivated Dale in the early 1990s.  

"I got intrigued with the Office of Justice of the Peace," recalls Dale. "At that point I felt like I didn't need to be climbing poles anymore and I also wanted to give back to the community."

In May 1993, Fannin County Judge Jimmy Doyle appointed Dale to finish an unexpired term as Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1. Doyle's appointment of an African American to a county office was a first for Fannin County. Dale served out the unexpired term and then went on to be elected for the next five terms. He says the most rewarding facet of the job is to be in a position to resolve disputes and fulfill his ambition to be a public servant to the residents of Fannin County.

"I am especially appreciative to the loyal, professional and dedicated staff with whom I've been fortunate enough to have as employees," says Dale. "Each one brought a skill that was unique and needed for the variety of work demanded of them."

That feeling is mutual.

"What I appreciate about Judge Dale is that he treats everyone the same," remarks Kim Richards, the Chief Clerk at JP Pct. 1.

"I try to treat everyone the way I want to be treated," says Dale. "When they come to my court, they get their day in court. I have certainly met people who have done bad things, but I have never met a truly bad person. When you put yourself in someone else's shoes, you realize everyone's perspective isn't the same."  

 So, after 20 years of civil and criminal court cases, demanding magistrate duties, signing dozens of warrants and officiating at hundreds of weddings, will it take time to transition into retirement?

"It'll be a change for me that first Monday morning when I don't have someplace I have to go," admits Dale, but he adds that he only managed to take one seven-day vacation in the past 20 years.

"The job of Justice of the Peace is very demanding," explains Dale. "The hours are often long and are not conducive to planning family activities and events. I am looking forward to a different lifestyle that I can enjoy while I am still physically, mentally and emotionally able to do so with family and friends."

With more free time, Dale can take care of his prized '57 station wagon and play a little more golf.

"It is time to move on," he says with a smile. "Fannin County is home to me and I will continue to be interested in helping to make it a wonderful place for all its citizens."

Dale admires the words to "A Judge's Creed" on a plaque that hangs in his office and says that he has done his best to live by that creed and his oath of office.

"In my first campaign, I pledged, if elected, to represent you with honesty, fairness and integrity and to make decisions based on the law without prejudice or favoritism," states Dale. "I can say without reservation, I have honored that pledge."