For Immediate Release: Tuesday, February 12, 2002

For More Information: Bob Mercer or Mike Mueller, 773-3212

Janklow Appoints Jack Delaney As Circuit Judge

(Pierre) – Gov. Bill Janklow said Tuesday that he has appointed John. J. "Jack" Delaney of Rapid City as a South Dakota circuit judge.

Delaney, 57, will fill the vacancy created in the 7th Circuit by the death last year of Circuit Judge John E. Fitzgerald of Rapid City. Fitzgerald had been on the court since 1992. The 7th Circuit includes Pennington, Custer, Fall River and Shannon counties.

Delaney’s appointment takes effect upon taking the oath of office.

"Jack Delaney believes in public service. He brings a lifetime of different experiences that truly qualify him to be in a position of protecting people’s lives, liberty and property," Janklow said. "This man has twice been before the Judicial Qualifications Commission and each time they have found him to be an exceptional candidate."

The state commission screens applicants for state judgeships and makes recommendations to the governor. The governor chooses from the commission’s recommended candidates.

Delaney has been in private law practice for the past 25 years in Rapid City and the Black Hills and also served for a period as Spearfish city attorney. His background includes 30 years of combined military service in the U.S. Army, U.S. Army Reserve and South Dakota National Guard. Among his military duties, he served in Vietnam and was the State Judge Advocate for the South Dakota National Guard.