GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — Friday marks the end of an era for the Gaston County Courthouse.
Chief Superior Court Judge Jesse Caldwell has been a powerful voice there for 28 years. Friday was his last day.
He has handled many high profile cases there and across the state. He has gained a reputation for being fierce, but fair and a supporter of open courts.
“It’s very bittersweet. But again, I’m putting a positive spin on it. I’m looking forward to new doors opening, new opportunities, new ways to serve the community,” Caldwell said.
Caldwell turned 72 years old recently. All judges are required to retire once they reach that age.
He will still work as an emergency judge, filling temporary vacancies for the state as needed.
(Watch Below: Retired Union Co. judge battling rare cancer hopes his experience can help others)
:quality(70)/d1hfln2sfez66z.cloudfront.net/03-01-2021/t_eccb7ccac0414040a3ef66009933a68e_name_Screen_Shot_2021_02_28_at_10_51_33_PM.png)
©2021 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/BLYJWUUH7ZBRHPGWXV2HYWLPJQ.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/6CHNI6V6QFBGDO5JT2GJ7KE7LA.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/7YU6J4OETJCT3KYPWKMBCTLGKQ.jpg)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/SNVWW7ZLEJALNMZG2AMFGYM4IM.png)
:quality(70)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/U4EEFTWF5FDDHCM7IZZCPSHL7U.jpeg)