The Berrien County Board of Commissioners has closed out 2024 by approving several honorary resolutions, saluting those who have served their county.
At Thursday’s meeting, commissioners approved resolutions in honor of Judge Sterling Schrock, who’s retiring this year. He was appointed to the bench in 2008, and the commission’s resolution thanked him for presiding over both criminal and civil cases since.
Commissioners also honored GIS Mapping Director Lex Winans for 27 years of service to the county. He’s retiring at the end of the year.
In what was perhaps a first, Commissioner Bob Harrison read a resolution in honor of Commissioner Chokwe Pitchford for a recent addition to his home.
“December 12th, 2024, Commissioner Chuckway Pitchford and his partner, Lauren, welcomed their son, Apollo, into the world, a precious addition to their family who symbolizes hope, love, and the promise of a bright future,” Harrison said.
Pitchford extended his heartfelt thanks, saying it was a difficult birth.
Outgoing Berrien County Clerk Sharon Tyler was also honored with a resolution. Commissioner Mamie Yarbrough said Tyler started in economic development for the county in 1981, eventually becoming a state representative, and then county clerk starting in 2013.
“The actions of Sharon J. Tyler echoed the mission of Berrien County by providing leadership, cooperation with all units of government, some physical management, and planning, thereby promoting public safety, health, well-being, and prosperity,” Yarbrough read.
Yarbrough commended Tyler for championing the needs of her staff and of voters. Also honored was 911 Quality Assurance Supervisor SarahJane Blurton, who is retiring. She’s been with the county since 1999.
