I am Bryan D. Phelps and I am seeking the position of Magisterial District Judge 55-3-01 that was vacated in January 2022 following the retirement of the honorable Annette Easton who previously held the position for 22 years.
I was born and raised in Coudersport where I graduated high school and then attended Mansfield University to obtain my training and certification through the municipal police officer training curriculum. I became a municipal police officer in 1997.
I have served as an officer in this county since the completion of my training. In 1999, I was hired at the Sweden Township Police Department as the Police Chief/ K-9 Officer where I continue to serve. During my years of service, I have also served 4 years as a Potter County Detective and am currently a member of the East Drug Task Force. This position is managed locally and runs through the PA State Attorney General’s office.
Serving in these capacities has taught me that compassion, fairness and being empathetic are of the upmost importance. A Police Officer is not only about enforcing laws, it is about doing the right thing for everyone involved, even if I don’t personally agree with it. I understand the rules of law and how to apply them as a Magistrate Judge.
For the past 37 years, I have been and continue to be, an active life member of the Coudersport Fire Department. Over the years, I have held many positions and since 2012, have been active as chief of the department providing emergency fire, rescue, and EMS services to protect the lives and property of the Coudersport community members and visitors of the area.
I have given nearly my entire adult life to public service. If elected as Magistrate Judge, I will continue this lifelong service. I will be retiring as Chief of Police, but will continue my service with the volunteer fire department. My priority will always be to the Office of Magistrate District Judge.
The Magisterial District Judge 55-3-01 serves the Austin and Coudersport Boroughs and the townships of Eulalia, Sweden, Keating, Homer, Summit, Portage, Sylvania, and Wharton and all that reside, visit, or travel through those municipalities. District Judge responsibilities include after hour calls for arraignments, protection from abuse orders, search warrants, and covering for other district judges. They also include placing fair and equal bail and preside over hearings for violations of the consolidated statutes of the commonwealth and civil proceedings.
