A long-standing local judge is stepping down from the bench.
Ninth Judicial District Court Judge Daniel Petre is retiring. He ascended the bench in 2004, overseeing criminal and civil cases in Pitkin, Garfield and Rio Blanco counties.
According to judicial performance evaluations, his peers have in the past ranked Petre favorably in judicial demeanor — describing him as fair, compassionate and thorough.
The Glenwood Springs native worked in private practice in his hometown for 24 years before becoming a judge.
Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario has worked with Petre for over two decades.
“He’s done a wonderful job but honestly, I think anybody who puts in so many years in a position deserves to retire and arguably enjoy life a little bit more and I wish him well,” he said.