Honorable Kim Chaney straightens his tie as his children look on.
CULLMAN – On Friday afternoon, the Honorable Kim Chaney was sworn in for his fifth term as Judge of the Cullman County District Court, in a ceremony at the Cullman County Courthouse. Circuit Judge Greg Nicholas presided, with District Judge Rusty Turner delivering the opening and closing remarks, Circuit Judge Martha Williams leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and Cullman Bar Association President Perry Knight delivering the invocation and benediction.
Before the oath was administered, Nicholas recounted accomplishments from Chaney's career:
* Sworn in for first term in office, 1993
* As of 2018, will be the longest-serving District Court Judge in Alabama
* Already the longest-serving District Judge in Cullman County
* Helped start the Cullman County Community Corrections program
* Helped found the Boot Camp Wilderness program for delinquent youth
* Served as president of the Alabama Juvenile Judges' Association
* Served as president of the Alabama District Judges' Association
* President of the Alabama Association of Drug Court Professionals
* Recipient of the Howell Heflin Award for exemplary service to the Court Parole program
* People Against a Littered State (PALS) Governor's Award
* 2001 Cullman Times Distinguished Citizen of the Year
* 2011 Cullman High School Distinguished Citizen
* 2013 Lions Club Chester Freeman Service to Others Award
* 2016 Cullman County Chamber of Commerce Emma Marie Edelman Award
Chaney is also a member of the Cullman County Human Trafficking Task Force.
Nicholas administered the oath of office to Chaney, as his wife and two adult children stood by his side.
Beginning his address after the oath, Chaney remarked, "Being a district judge has been one of the greatest honors of my life."
He recounted how the court has changed over the years of his career, and shared memories from his childhood around his parents' store Chaney's Seed and Feed in west Cullman.
Of his upbringing, Chaney said, "My family got dirty for a living; they worked hard for their living. On the loading dock, I learned hard work, and I also learned how to be honest and fair with people. From my parents, I learned about the Lord. Pretty good combination."
After honoring his fellow judges and recognizing the staff that assists him in his duties, the judge introduced and honored his wife, children and extended family.
Chaney closed by saying, "This community has been very good to us. It's a tremendous place to live. And with your continued support, and prayer, I'm going to work hard every day and make sure that Cullman County is a safe place and a good place to live, work and raise our families."
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