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TO RECOGNIZE AND COMMEND THE HONORABLE RODGER E. EDMONDS, CHIEF MAGISTRATE OF AIKEN COUNTY, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE BENCH, AND TO WISH HIM CONTINUED SUCCESS AND HAPPINESS IN ALL HIS FUTURE ENDEAVORS.
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina General Assembly have learned that the Honorable Rodger E. Edmonds recently began a well-deserved retirement after forty-two years of faithful and outstanding service to the citizens of Aiken County; and
Whereas, in 1965, at the age of seventeen, he graduated from North Augusta Senior High School, followed by studies at Palmer Business College in Augusta, Georgia; and
Whereas, in 1966, he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve, later transferring to the United States Air Force. By utilizing his organizational and mechanical skills as a jet-engine mechanic, he advanced to the rank of staff sergeant. After four years of military service, he was honorably discharged on December 7, 1969; and
Whereas, he was recruited by the South Carolina Highway Patrol and in 1970 joined its ranks, patrolling Richland and adjoining counties and later Aiken County. During his service, he was named 1977 Police Officer of the Year by the Graniteville Exchange Club and 1978 Lawman of the Year by the American Legion, Post 168; and
Whereas, through persistent hard work and dedication, he obtained the rank of corporal in 1987; and
Whereas, in 1989, he was appointed North Augusta magistrate and held this office for twenty-two years. In 1995, he was assigned the duties of associate chief magistrate and served in that capacity until 2000, at which time he was named Aiken County chief magistrate by Chief Justice Jean H. Toal of the South Carolina Supreme Court. He continued to serve in that position until his retirement on January 19, 2012; and
Whereas, Judge Edmonds has served on the executive board of the South Carolina Summary Court Judges Association since 1997. He has held the office of treasurer, magistrate-vice president, and president and is currently serving as immediate past president. He also chairs the Convention/Seminar Committee and has been involved in the planning and oversight of the organization's educational programs; and
Whereas, away from the office, he has served since 1985 on the executive board of the Augusta Southern National Drag Boat Association, a charitable organization that benefits the Georgia Special Olympics; and
Whereas, during his tenure as Aiken County chief magistrate, he has brought many innovations to the office, such as implementation of the Central Bond Court System, continued operation of Centralized Traffic Court, maintenance of a duty schedule for both courts, and the designation of a judge dedicated to on-call after-hours duty; and
Whereas, in addition, after many hours of extensive and diligent research, Judge Edmonds initiated a proposal to Aiken County Council to bring court-staff salaries up to the level of private enterprise, an endeavor that was crowned with success and served to help stabilize the employment of personnel; and
Whereas, beyond his responsibilities for Aiken County, Judge Edmonds serves as municipal judge for Burnettown; and
Whereas, together with his beloved wife of forty-four years, Becky, he reared two fine children, who have blessed their parents with three adoring grandchildren; and
Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is grateful for the legacy of leadership that the Honorable Rodger E. Edmonds has bestowed on Aiken County and appreciates the long and enduring guidance he has given to citizens of the Palmetto State. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and commend the Honorable Rodger E. Edmonds, chief magistrate of Aiken County, upon the occasion of his retirement from the bench, and wish him continued success and happiness in all his future endeavors.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to the Honorable Rodger E. Edmonds.
This web page was last updated on January 31, 2012 at 12:53 PM