CARMEL, NY –  County Executive Kevin Byrne and Senator Peter Harckham recently welcomed the naming of the James F. Reitz Memorial Courtroom at the Putnam County Supreme and County Court. A special ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the New York State Office of Court Administration, which included representatives from the 9^th Judicial District, Putnam County Clerk, and more, took place on the courthouse’s third floor on June 13. Assemblyman Matt Slater and his team were also supportive of this initiative.

Reitz was a former county court and State Supreme Court justice who died suddenly in 2019. He was known as a driving force behind the county’s Drug Treatment Court that gives offenders with drug-related records a second chance provided they meet certain criteria; the well-known program continues today. Byrne, then an Assemblyman, helped pass legislation along with Sen. Harckham to designate the courtroom in 2022.

“Judge Reitz was not only a humane jurist but a man of tremendous energy, compassion, and intellect who continues to inspire others in Putnam County and beyond. I was proud in my former role as Assemblyman to sponsor and pass the state legislation which designated this courtroom and I am honored to help continue his legacy of community dedication and fairness today,” said Byrne.

“Judge James Reitz was a model public servant whose legacy will deservedly continue for generations. This courtroom will be a constant reminder of his compassion and love for Putnam County. I applaud all of our partners in government for remembering such a great friend,” said Assemblyman Matt Slater (AD 94).