Lawrence County commissioners on Tuesday publicly honored two judges and the county sheriff who are leaving full-time posts after decades of service.

Chair (speaker 1) opened the meeting by calling it "a very special day" to recognize court and law-enforcement leaders and introduced President Judge Jay Craig Cox, who attended the meeting. The chair thanked the officials "for all of their years of service to the people of this county."

Judge Dominic Motto, who retired earlier this year from the president-judge role and now serves as a senior judge, said he had been "proud" of the cooperative relationship between the court and county government and praised the bench and staff. "I was always proud of the fact that that wasn't the case in Lawrence County," Motto said, describing a constructive working relationship during his tenure.

Judge Jay Craig Cox, the sitting president judge, called the departure of his colleagues "bittersweet" but said the county would remain on a "solid bench" as three newly elected judges prepare to take office in January. The board noted a swearing-in ceremony for newly elected officials is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2026.

Sheriff Perry Quelero, reflecting on roughly 20 years in office, told the commissioners: "Can I say I'm gonna miss it? I'm gonna miss it. Truly miss it." He thanked courthouse employees and residents for their support and said he had tried to be a "working sheriff" who remained on duty and involved in the community.

Commissioners individually offered brief remarks of appreciation, and judges and staff present expressed similar gratitude. The recognition took place near the start of a regular meeting in which the board completed routine business and approved several resolutions.

The board did not take any formal personnel actions in this session related to the retirements; it recorded the public acknowledgments and scheduled the official swearing-in events for incoming officials on Jan. 5, 2026.