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Zachary Allman has pursued justice in many forms throughout his life in Marshall County, and on Monday, he stepped into a new role: county magistrate.
Circuit Judge Jeff Cramer administered the oath office to Allman, who will fill the unexpired term left by the resignation of Dave McLaughlin. Allman's term will run until 2021, and he will be up for election in 2020.
Allman addressed a full crowd of associates, friends and family -- and at least one dog -- after the brief swearing-in ceremony, where he thanked the myriad influences in his life that led him to where he is today.
"As I look around this room, I see so many friends and family, so many people responsible for me being where I am," Allman said. "I'm grateful to know so many hard-working, good people."
Allman singled out his wife, Morgan, and his two boys, Brody and Ruxin, for their support as his career has made transitions from the military, to law enforcement, to investigator, and now to magistrate.
"Much like their dad, my kids don't like change. Going down this journey has been difficult, and we'll do it together. My wife, we've been together since high school, high school sweethearts. She's stayed with me when I went away to war, she stayed with me when I had highlights in my hair, and she's stayed up with me when I worked those terrible cases that I used to work, and helped me through them, and she's still here today," he said.
Following the ceremony, Allman said he hopes to be a fair and open magistrate.
"My promise to the people of Marshall County is that everyone who comes into my courtroom, whether they be rich or poor, with the best attorneys or representing themselves: you are going to be heard, you are going to be treated with dignity and respect, and I am going to render a decision based on the law, and what is fair, because that's what the people of Marshall County deserve."
Cramer had written an administrative appointment order several weeks ago naming Allman to the position. Cramer said Allman's qualifications made him a perfect fit for the role, from his extensive life experience in criminal justice to his academic accomplishments, including serving as a criminal justice adjunct professor at Wheeling Jesuit University.
"I'm extremely pleased that he was willing to accept the responsibility," Cramer said. "Honor, integrity, hard work, a decorated veteran -- he really just checks every box in what you'd look for in a candidate. It's my honor that he was able to take the position, and I look forward to helping him out any way we can."
Allman begins his first day on the bench today.