Judicial Well-Being Awards 2024

Magistrate Brad Varmo 17th Judicial District 

            Magistrate Brad Varmo should receive the individual well-being award because he embodies the very essence of judicial well-being. He presides over the magistrates of the 17th Judicial District. Every morning he greets the magistrates with a warm, inspiring message, a helpful piece of information, and a "dad joke" to set the positive tone for the day. Brad is available 24/7 for magistrate support, truly 24/7, on or off the bench. He can answer most any question about every single docket the magistrates cover, and he is always willing to drop anything he is doing to help. Brad sets his docket thoughtfully so that he is always available to cover for others in need. Brad manages the coverage for the magistrates to create a stress-free docket environment for all the magistrates. He is funny and witty, and keeps a smile on everyone's face. He is trustworthy and dependable: you always know where you stand and his door is always open. Our magistrates get to take worry-free vacations because of him. Our magistrates are a tremendously strong team because of him. Brad is a natural, effortless, highly effective leader and team player. He is a natural coach and mentor. He trains our magistrates to succeed and to shine. He is a trusted confidante and a fierce advocate for the magistrates. He does it all with no expectation or request for acknowledgement of his efforts. He simply does all he does because it is right and good. He is truly a gift to our district and one of the major reasons working in the 17th is a joy.

17th Judicial District Probation Wellness Committee 

I would like to nominate the 17th JD Probation Wellness Committee for the Judicial Department Well-Being Award.

The 17th Judicial District's Wellness Committee has been in place for many years. Although membership has changed over the years, in recent times, Randi Jo Pieper has been a constant. She is the current chair of the Wellness Committee and has committed much of her career to the wellness of her clients and her coworkers.

Randi and the Wellness Committee planned and hosted a Wellness Fair for the 17th JD Probation Department on March 27, 2024. There were three outstanding speakers who addressed topics like Mental Health, Self-Care, Suicide Prevention and Resiliency; Connecting the Body, Brain, and Breath; and other wellness information. In addition to the speakers, the Wellness Committee invited numerous vendors that work with probation clients so employees can learn more about their services.

Bethany Haroldson has brought her "Coffee Talks" to every office in the 17th Probation Department this year. She describes this as a time to come together, explore mindfulness, and craft. During these meetings, Bethany discusses positive mental health techniques and creative mindfulness practices, coupled with food, drink (coffee), crafts, and camaraderie. She developed ten unique sessions exploring difficult topics such as grief, worry, cognitive distortions and emotions. These have been so well received in our department and are coveted events to attend! Recently Bethany partnered with 17th Trial Court employees to offer a Coffee Talk with them, and they loved it so much, they are exploring how to begin the same practice.

Randi and Bethany have partnered with the 17th Trial Court's "Star Committee" – their version of a Wellness Committee. Together they are sharing great ideas that help both of us to implement new wellness activities. Additionally, the Probation Department and Trial Court worked with other stakeholders to create a collaborative "Take Your Child to Work Day" on April 25, 2024. Attendees could enjoy events like "Donuts with the DA", being "Judge for a Day" (taking pictures on the bench, complete with a robe, wig and gavel), a mock trial "The Trial of SpongeBob Squarepants", a tour with Adams County Sheriff's Office holding cells and police vehicles, relay races with Probation, and an Ice Cream Social at the Public Defender's Office.

Traditionally, our Wellness Committee has planned our annual celebration of "Probation Week" in July and recently they took on the additional responsibility of our Holiday Party and Award Ceremony in December. Both events take a tremendous amount of planning to make a success, considering ours is the largest probation department in the state. Last year, Randi demonstrated her support of our Workplace Culture Initiatives, by recommending an employee recognition gift that reminded employees of our purpose statement, "Inspiring Change for a Better Future" on protective laptop bags, and an "act of kindness for a colleague or someone in need" initiative for the week was enjoyed by all. This year, Randi was instrumental in the planning and ordering of a special employee recognition gift for all staff with a newly developed logo that includes our purpose and values: Integrity, Service, Collaboration, and Human Centered. Randi holds these values and finds ways to help others integrate them into their daily lives.

In addition to these large annual events, our Wellness Committee offers fun and exciting activities throughout the year, including a Step Challenge, Halloween costume contest, holiday "Frosty and Snowflake" hunt, Spirit Week, and a meaningful employee food pantry.

The 17th Judicial District is so lucky to have this small, but passionate group of people who work together to make employee wellness a priority. Thank you for considering this amazing and deserving group for the Judicial Department Well-Being Award!

Probation Officer Randi Jo Pieper

Probation Officer Michelle Metcalfe

Probation Officer Bethany Haroldson

Probation Manager Paul McCain

Probation Supervisor Michelle Delier

Administrative Supervisor Jody Acklam