Judge Kevin Greer receives oath of office from son and Assistant Prosecutor Ross Greer

By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press

During a touching swearing-in ceremony Friday afternoon at the Highland County Courthouse, Assistant Prosecutor Ross Greer administered the oath of office to his father, longtime Highland County Common Pleas Court Juvenile and Probate Division Judge Kevin L. Greer.

Prior to accepting the oath of office from his son, Judge Greer thanked Highland County for the opportunity to serve as judge for the past 18 years.

"I'm thankful for the past 18 years and I look forward to the next six," Judge Greer said.

The judge also acknowledged several guests, including his family – wife, Kristy; sons, Ross and Ryan and their spouses and families; and his mother, Sue Frump.

Other guests included: Judge Richard Davis (ret.), Judge Rocky Coss, Prosecutor Anneka Collins and her staff, Leesburg Mayor Danny Daulton and his wife, former Sheriff Ron Ward, Magistrate Cynthia Williams, campaign treasurer and Hillsboro City School Board of Education President Terry Britton, Rita Kay Blankenship, and Brent and Gayle Gilliland.

Judge Greer, who began practicing law in 1980 after graduating from the University of Toledo Law School, thanked all of those who have supported his campaign. He also thanked his court staff.

"To the office staff, I appreciate the job you do," he said. "It isn't always an easy job."

Judge Greer noted that in the past 18 years, his office has collected "right at $3 million," of which, $2 million goes to the county's general fund.

"You don't always think about the financial part of this operation, but it's becoming more and more involved. We rely a great deal on the prosecutor's office to help resolve these cases. You do an excellent job," the judge said.

"I probably would not be here without Judge Richard Davis. You gave me a lot of room to work and learn as a prosecutor in here. You've always been a big help.

Judge Greer also referenced his former law partner and current judge, Rocky Coss.

"Judge Coss gave me the opportunity to start with him as an assistant prosecutor and later as a partner," Judge Greer said. "No offense, Rocky, but the best partner I've ever had is my wife.

"(Former sheriff) Ron Ward is a very dear friend. I appreciate his willingness to step forward and I appreciated your courage and integrity."

Judge Greer also mentioned two people he wished could have attended the event: his late father, George Greer, who passed away on Dec. 8, 2014; and Ernie Blankenship, who passed away on Oct. 8, 2013.

Judge Greer invited family and friends to stand behind him during his swearing-in. Prior to administering the oath, his son, Ross, shared a message that has often been repeated in the courtroom. "You might not always like the decision, but no one ever says my dad wasn't fair."

Father and son shook hands and shared a brief embrace after the ceremony.