Orlando Duarte, Judge Richard Hersch has passed away (from a non-Covid-19 issue).
Mr. Duarte was a bailiff supreme. The best. Efficient, friendly, part of a team with Judge Hersch's courtroom staff that made the trains run on time and helped get things done.
We invite you to comment your remembrances of him and to contribute to the Go Fund Me Account set up for his family.
CONTRIBUTE HERE.
As you know, bailiffs do not make a lot of money, and this contribution will help. Be generous. (h/t Mike Catalano for getting the word out on this sad news).
JUDGE RICHARD HERSCH WRITES:
Orlando Duarte, our bailiff and friend, has passed away.
On behalf of Orlando’s wife (Connie), and
son (Fernando), please accept our gratitude for the huge expression of support
and sympathy. Orlando was a wonderful
husband and father. It is comforting to
the family that they and Orlando are in the prayers and thoughts of so
many….and that so many thought so well of Orlando.
Understandably. Orlando brought a lot to our courtroom
family. For those of you who don’t know,
born in Nicaragua, Orlando was an officer in the Nicaraguan Navy. He was American-military trained and all that
time in Lakeland TX led to his abiding affinity for Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash,
and country music. He managed a
security agency at MIA for about 15 years, pre-9/11. Deeply religious (sat next to JLK, James
Lawrence King, at church nearly every Sunday), Orlando had an extraordinarily
true moral compass and an overriding commitment to be in service to
others.
That may be why he was so truly proud to
be a bailiff. He thought it was an honor
to be a part of the criminal justice system.
Granted, most of the day was keeping order, taking fingerprints, and
putting up with the REG denizens. But we
often had talks about how important the criminal justice system is in defining
our individual rights, protecting the rights of the accused, and enforcing
legitimacy and credibility in the enforcement and corrections system. He understood and embraced the mission. It made him very happy to be part of a force
dedicated to public good.
My friend for 32 years, we will miss
you. The lawyers may excuse a few
tearful moments on the bench over the next months, but they will not soon
forget the tower of strength that so capably manned the front door of our
courtroom. Or the secure feeling they
always had in your presence. God Bless.