News Release: July 10, 2009 Contact: Elizabeth Witte, Communications Director (724-852-5210)
WAYNESBURG, PA – Following in his father’s footsteps, Waynesburg attorney Farley Toothman was sworn in as Greene County Court of Common Pleas judge in a ceremony at noon Friday, July 10, in Courtroom 1 of the county courthouse. The swearing-in ceremony follows Toothman’s June 30 confirmation by the state Senate to fill the position, created in January with the retirement of Judge H. Terry Grimes. In March, Gov. Edward Rendell nominated Toothman for the vacant position, and he was confirmed last month to serve as judge after a unanimous Senate vote. Toothman joins President Judge William R. Nalitz on the Greene County bench.
A sense of family was strong throughout the ceremony, with many speakers referencing Toothman’s father, the late Glenn Toothman, Jr., who served as Greene County’s president judge from 1965 to 1985.
After receiving his father’s robe and gavel, Toothman took the oath of office. He then addressed the crowded courtroom, ending his speech with the final words of his father’s investiture, held more than 40 years ago.
"May the final judge of us all, who can go with you, yet remain with me, give us sufficiently of His wisdom, strength and courage,” Toothman said. “That in the last accounting of our deeds, He may say to each of us, ‘Well done, thou good and faithful servant.’"
Family members on hand for the ceremony included Toothman’s brother Glenn III, sister Ellan, wife Ingrid, and three of their four children: George, Henry and Katherine. Daughter MaryJo and Toothman’s mother, Katherine, were absent.
Other speakers who congratulated Toothman on his honor included Grimes, Nalitz, Commissioner Pam Snyder, state Sen. J. Barry Stout, Waynesburg University President Timothy R. Thyreen, Greene County Bar Association President Kelly Stepp and Greene County Public Defender Harry Cancelmi.
As an appointed judge, Toothman will serve until the current term expires in January 2012, although he will seek a 10-year term in the 2011 municipal election.
Since 2004, Toothman had served as Greene County solicitor. He was also the solicitor for Greensboro and Waynesburg boroughs and maintained his own private practice in Waynesburg. From 1996 to 2003, Toothman held two terms in office as a county commissioner, and prior to that, he was a partner in private practice with his father and brother.
A graduate of Waynesburg University and Duquesne University’s School of Law, Toothman and his wife reside in Waynesburg.
Farley Toothman addresses the crowded courtroom after being sworn in as Greene County Court of Common Pleas judge in a ceremony at noon Friday, July 10, in Courtroom 1 of the county courthouse.
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For general information, please contact the Information Services at 724-852-5399 / Toll Free: 1-888-852-5399. County Office Building, 93 E. High Street, Waynesburg, PA 15370
