First Circuit judges honor Judge Wittig on his deployment to Middle East

7/30/2024

Judges of the First Judicial Circuit gathered to honor Judge Wittig prior to his deployment.

The Hon. Cord Z. Wittig, Resident First Circuit Judge of Massac County, was recently deployed to service in the Middle East by the United States armed forces. An Army reservist, United States Army Major Cord Z. Wittig serves as Senior Defense Counsel for the 412th Senior Trial Team and Brigade Judge Advocate for the 34th Division Support Brigade. Both positions are consequential and of great import.

Judge William J. Thurston, Chief Judge of the First Judicial Circuit and Presiding Resident Judge of Pulaski County, Illinois commented that, "Judge Wittig will be sorely missed by the residents of Massac County and the broader First Circuit. His service, skill and temperament on the bench are unmatched. We boast proudly of his service to the people of Massac County, the State and to his country. Massac County and the First Circuit are quite fortunate to have a judge and person of his caliber. We pray for his safe return upon completion of his tour of duty as well as for his family in his absence."

Upon Thurston's request, the Illinois Supreme Court recalled the Hon. Phillip J. Palmer (Retired Resident Judge of Williamson County) to fill Wittig's place during the deployment. Judge Amanda Byassee Gott, At-Large Circuit Judge of the First Circuit has been named as Presiding Judge of Massac County until Wittig's safe return.

Before leaving, Judge Wittig was surprised when nearly every Judge of the First Judicial Circuit, along with their guests, gathered to celebrate him and wish him a fond bon voyage. The Honorable and Mrs. Jeffery B. Farris, Presiding Resident Judge of Alexander County, hosted the soiree at their home.

"The camaraderie of the judges of the First Circuit is unsurpassed," Thurston added.

Judge Wittig, his wife and sons are life-long residents of Massac County. Details of the deployment remain classified.

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