Juvenile Court Judge honored for sterling service

Henry County Juvenile Court Judge A. J. "Buddy" Welch has been honored for his more than three decades of service presiding over Juvenile Court. The ceremony was held at the Henry County Judicial Center in McDonough

Henry County Juvenile Court Judge A. J. "Buddy" Welch has been honored for his more than three decades of service presiding over Juvenile Court.

Tuesday, a ceremony was held at the Henry County Judicial Center in McDonough, to officially dedicate the building to Welch, who has been Juvenile Court Judge since 1975. He is also a senior partner of the Smith, Welch and Brittain Law Firm.

More than 150 attendees packed an upstairs room for the ceremony, which began with a welcome by Henry County Superior Court Chief Judge Arch McGarity.

The Henry County Sheriff's Office provided the honor guard, and the National Anthem was sung by Earl Parker. The Rev. Dudley Rose gave the invocation, and remarks were also given by Henry County Superior Court Judge Wade Crumbley, and Henry County District I Commissioner Warren Holder.

A special dedication plaque was unveiled for Welch, the event's keynote speaker, and Georgia Supreme Court Justice P. Harris Hines gave the dedication address. Afterwards, the crowd spilled out of the room and moved downstairs for a reception.

Welch was humbled by the recognition. "It's overwhelming," he said. "It's such a nice turnout, and such nice comments."

After his many years of service, Welch said some moments in his career clearly stand out in his memory.

"The most trying problem is where parents do not look after their children," he said. "Normally, [the Department of Family and Children's Services] is involved, and we have to make a determination as to whether or not the children need to be removed for a short, or for a long, period of time."

Those situations are the most difficult part of his job, he acknowledged. "There are a lot of sad cases like that."

Conversely, the judge continued, the most satisfying part of his job comes when he is out in public and is approached, and thanked, by a youth who has been helped, after appearing in his courtroom.

McGarity, who has known Welch since before McGarity graduated from law school, said Welch deserved the honor. "He has been the first Juvenile Court Judge in Henry County," said McGarity.

McGarity said the qualities he admires most in Welch are his strength and courage. "He's never been afraid of doing the right thing, sometimes in difficult situations."

Georgia Supreme Court Justice Hines, who first met Welch in 1995, applauded the dedication. "He has been, and is, a splendid lawyer," said Hines.

"He has served for a long time, and been very dedicated to the people of Henry County, and to the welfare of the young people who have come before the Juvenile Court," Hines said.

"Welch has the best interest at heart of the youths who appear in his court," he said. "Welch's most admirable traits," said the Supreme Court Justice, "are his candor, his honesty, his integrity, and his strength."