The Herald Bulletin - New Judge Pyle vows ‘respect, reliability, results’

Tue, Feb 09 2010

Breaking News: Bob Knight to speak at Trine University graduation February 09, 2010 11:23 am

Resources

Print this story

Post to del.icio.us

Photos

Gov. Mitch Daniels, left, gives the oath of office to new Circuit Court Judge Rudolph R. Pyle, right, as Pyle's parents, Rudolph Pyle Jr. and Caroline Pyle hold the bible during the swearing in ceremony held Friday morning.
John P. Cleary /

Newly sworn in judge Rudy Pyle addresses the large crowd that gathered in the Commissioners' Court for his swearing in by Gov. Mitch Daniels Friday morning.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

The first official act as a judge Rudy Pyle did was to oversee an adoption proceeding right after he was sworn into office by Gov. Mitch Daniels.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

Well-wishers greeted new Judge Rudy Pyle during a reception in his honor held in Circuit Court.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

Newly sworn in Circuit Court Judge Rudolph Pyle III was all smiles as well-wishers greeted him during a reception in his honor held in his new courtroom.
John P. Cleary / The Herald Bulletin

Published October 16, 2009 08:50 pm - Hundreds witnessed history Friday as Rudolph R. Pyle III took the oath as Madison County’s first African-American judge.

New Judge Pyle vows ‘respect, reliability, results’

By Dave Stafford, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer

ANDERSON — Hundreds witnessed history Friday as Rudolph R. Pyle III took the oath as Madison County’s first African-American judge.

After he was sworn in as Madison Circuit Court judge by Gov. Mitch Daniels, Pyle, 39, thanked God and his parents while fighting back tears.

“You say you’re not going to do that,” he said, wiping his eyes as he joined the county’s other robed judges. An overflow crowd packed into commissioners’ court, spilling into the lobby outside.

“I am keenly aware that this is not my seat. I don’t own it, you do,” Pyle said. “I’m willing to serve as long as you’ll have me.”

Daniels, who selected fellow Republican Pyle to replace former Judge Fredrick R. Spencer, noted the historic nature of his choice but also said his choice was clear.

“The man we are about to swear in to this office has multiple qualifications,” Daniels said, noting Pyle’s experience as a deputy prosecutor, state trooper and law clerk at the Indiana Court of Appeals.

“Yes, this is historic; yes, something unprecedented is happening,” Daniels said. “That has nothing to do with this choice. ... We have the best person.

“Indiana expects him to not merely be a competent judge, but to be a great judge,” he said.

Daniels said the selection of a new judge is among the toughest decisions a governor must make. “There’s no place for cronyism,” he said.

But Daniels did acknowledge at least one shared interest. A known motorcycle ethusiast, the governor paused while listing Pyle’s heady achievements.

“Motorcycle instructor,” he said to gales of laughter.

Pyle pledged to focus on 3 Rs from the bench — respect, reliability and results. He led those gathered to chant the mantra and said they were qualities that the county was accustomed to from its judges.

“They have been providing that level of service,” he said.

Pyle acknowledged difficulties facing county residents, including foreclosures and unemployment, but he said there were positive things happening locally, including in the courts.

Popular business directory searches