After 30 years with McKean County, the director of the adult probation department has announced his plan to retire.
Gary Seefeldt, 58, will retire effective Feb. 1.
He did not immediately return messages seeking comment.
McKean County President Judge John Pavlock, who oversees the criminal justice system in the county, said Seefeldt accomplished a great deal for the county.
“He was involved in a lot of programs, and oversaw a lot of cases and we appreciate the work he has done,” Pavlock said.
Seefeldt had announced his intention to retire on Friday.
“When he will be here will be limited because he had vacation time he hadn’t used yet,” the judge explained. “We’re making plants at this point of how to fill the position.”
Pavlock added, “After decades of having a certain structure in the probation department, we’re looking at the structure of the office and looking at making changes.”
He did not elaborate on the changes, saying it was too early and nothing had been finalized.
Court officials are discussing whether they plan to promote from within the department or advertise the probation director’s position, he added.
“It’s always good to have someone with specific knowledge of the operations,” the judge said, but he added, “whether we’ll hire from within hasn’t been finalized yet.”
Pavlock talked about some of the duties Seefeldt has performed in his years with the county.
“At one time, Gary had dual responsibility as director of domestic relations and adult probation,” the judge explained. “Several years ago we changed that because the demands on both departments increase.”
Among other things, the reporting requirements to the state for both departments increased substantially, as did the responsibilities.
“We could no longer have one director overseeing both departments,” Pavlock said. Amy Lathrop was hired as the director of the domestic relations office.
Seefeldt has also served as one of the four instructors for state-mandated DUI classes.
“The education classes are required for anyone convicted of DUI or in the DUI program,” Pavlock said. “We have three individuals who are still presenting the program.”
If necessary, court officials may look into adding a fourth person again.
Pavlock said Seefeldt had helped lead the county through some big changes in the criminal justice system.
“There were a lot of new programs when I became judge that were put into place,” Pavlock said. “They weren’t easy.”
For example, the domestic relations office complex was built and the Growing Greener Garden was implemented. No funds from McKean County were used in the DRO complex, as it was all reimbursed from the state. And the 3G program, as it is known, was questioned by many.
“It’s been a great success,” Pavlock said. “There were many other new programs, along with the daily responsibility to run the office. Gary has been through all of that.”
