DRUG COURT WILL BE STROPHY'S LEGACY

Thurston County Superior Court Judge Richard Strophy surprised many
in the community Tuesday with his announcement that he will retire at
the end of his term in January. Strophy leaves after 37 years of
outstanding public service.

Strophy, 63, who started his legal career in Thurston County as a
prosecutor, has served for the past 25 years as a judge in District
Court, then Superior Court.

While commendations will be forthcoming as he nears retirement, there
is no argument that Strophy's primary contribution -- one that will
last long after he has left the bench -- is the pivotal role he
played in launching Thurston County's highly effective Drug Court.

Strophy was an early advocate for the program that relies on the
prosecutor, judge, defense attorney and treatment providers working
together to help the criminal defendant succeed. The track record is
phenomenal. Since Drug Court started in 1998, there have been 277
graduates, and "less than 10 percent of them have been re-arrested
for criminal offenses," Strophy said. The recidivism rate in this
state is four times higher.

Strophy, the senior jurist on the Thurston County bench, deserves a
large part of the praise for the success of Drug Court because he has
been the primary Drug Court judge since its inception.

Known for his honesty, intellect and fairness, Strophy has earned a
spot alongside a growing list of outstanding local jurists that
includes Robert Doran, Gerry Alexander (now chief justice of the
state Supreme Court), Hewitt Henry, Frank Baker and Dan Berschauer.

Judge Strophy will be missed but has earned a joy-filled retirement.