First Posted: 1/29/2015
VAN WERT — Martin Burchfield’s journey to judge in Van Wert County began more than 30 years ago at the University of Toledo.
That is where Burchfield met his wife, Susan, when both were resident advisers in a dorm. Burchfield moved onto law school, graduated and was looking for a place to start his career.
Susan, the daughter of an attorney in Van Wert, suggested returning to her hometown and he could join her father’s law firm.
That was 1986 and the start of his legal career that saw Burchfield work as a public defender and the past 16 years as an assistant county prosecutor, both while maintaining a private practice.
On Thursday, the 53-year-old Burchfield took the next step in his legal career when he was sworn in as judge of Van Wert County Common Pleas Court with his wife, Susan, by his side. His first day is Monday.
“I’ve always been interested in this office and how it operates,” he said.
Burchfield said the court is in great shape, and he will keep it that way. The court recently added a program called “drug court” to help drug abusers who enter the criminal justice system. He wants to continue to build on the program.
As it is in many places, drugs are a huge problem, with opiates one of the biggest. Most crime is connected to the illegal use of drugs, Burchfield said.
Burchfield was joined by his mother, Bettye Burchfield, at his swearing in.
In December, Gov. John Kasich appointed Burchfield to the bench of Van Wert Common Pleas Court. He must run in November 2016 to retain the seat. Burchfield replaces Judge Charles Steele who retired Dec. 31. Steele began as judge in 1998.
