Fulton County's courthouse has ushered in a new era as Stacey S. Stiriz takes the judicial reigns for the first time in four decades. Appointed by Gov. Mike DeWine, Stiriz fills a vacancy that hadn't been seen since 1985. The previous bench's long-standing figure, Judge Michael J. Bumb, left sizable shoes to fill upon his 2025 retirement. A dedicated servant of the law, Bumb's career endurance marked him as the longest-serving active judge in Ohio, a detail highlighted in court records.
Reflecting on her inaugural day, Stiriz acknowledged the surreal nature of stepping into a role held by a mentor throughout her legal career. "On Monday, when I opened the judge’s chambers, I felt overwhelmed that he was not at his desk as he has been throughout my 20 years of practice," Stiriz shared in a statement obtained by Court News Ohio. With admiration, she recounted how Bumb's guidance lifted her from a fledgling law graduate to a nuanced practitioner of juvenile law, emphasizing the soft power of patience and kindness over brute decibels in the courtroom.
In her transition, Judge Stiriz brings previous experience as an assistant prosecutor in Fulton County since 2017. She steps into her new position with the intention of respecting the foundations laid by her predecessor and community. Stiriz dissects the relics of wisdom Bumb left behind, from flagged pages in law books to a well-equipped staff—a testament to his foresight and commitment to seamless continuity.
While she stands on the threshold of a new chapter in Fulton County's jurisprudence, Stiriz confronts the immediate future with an election looming in November 2026, as reported by Court News Ohio. She must assert her candidacy and earn the public's vote to maintain the judgeship beyond this appointed tenure. The commitment to uphold the decorum and fairness of the court is enshrined in her resolve. "I want to make him proud. I want to repay him by continuing to provide this court with the respect it deserves," she affirmed.
