County Officials Gather to Wish Attorney Fohn Farewell

“Don’t leave us Gerald!” “We love you Gerald!” rang a chorus of voices at the retirement party of Gerald Fohn, Tom Green County Attorney.

Many local law enforcement agents, attorneys, friends and family of Fohn came out to show their love and support him on Thursday.

After initial greetings, people were asked to step up and share their ‘Fohnd’ memories.

“I could not have asked for a better mentor,” said one attorney. “It’s good to have someone there to push you.”

Another man added to his praise: “Good men are noted by their quality of life,” he said, “great men are known by the legacy they leave.”

His brother, Louis Fohn, also stepped up to the plate: “All his life he’s been a teacher,” he said. “It’s like having Google riding next to you.”

Peals of laughter broke out after Louis Fohn’s statement, and many others came forward to share stories and express gratitude to him for being a good mentor and friend for many years.

Some also expressed disbelief that there was such a thing as retirement when it came to Gerald Fohn.

“He may be leaving one portion of the court,” said one man, “but I don’t think he’s done with the law yet.”

Another man suggested that the courthouse build a statue of him on the courthouse lawn, to which the entire room erupted into laughter while Fohn merely shook his head.

After friends, family and cohorts spoke, Fohn was finally allowed to speak his piece.

“This was such a surprise,” he said. “I wanted to just quietly finish up my last day, but they [workers at the county court] said ‘you’re not getting away that easy.’”

Fohn mentioned that it is a good time for him to leave, with the office fully staffed with many experienced and good people.

“Everybody looks out for everybody here,” he said with a proud smile. “Y’all have always given me the chance to be what I can be.”

Then he told the room the same thing he says he always tells his kids, and is the advice he leaves for all his coworkers and fellow attorneys.

“Just remember who you are and who you represent,” he said, “I’ve lived my life by that and so have my boys, that’s the legacy I’m most proud of.”

Fohn’s last day will be Dec. 31 and he will kick off the New Year as a retiree.

While officially retired, Fohn plans to work with the Drug and Alcohol Diversion Court Program and civil cases involving mental health matters.