From Staff Reports
Ripley County assistant prosecutor Kacey Proctor will be leaving at the end of the month to begin a one-year tour of active duty with the U.S. Army Reserves.
Prosecuting attorney Christopher J. Miller said Monday Proctor has been called to active duty and will leave at the end of September for probable assignment in the Middle East for the next 12 months.
"Even though I knew Kacey was an Army Reserve officer when he was employed as assistant prosecutor and that he might be called to active, I had hoped that it would not be necessary for that to happen," Miller said. "I am sorry that he is leaving my office at this time, but I am proud to have had his assistance for several years and I extend my best wishes to him and his family while they make this great personal sacrifice for our country."
Miller said he has hired Doniphan attorney Matthew P. Michel as assistant prosecuting attorney in Proctor's absence.
Miller said that he was confident that Proctor would do well in his new military assignment with the Army Engineers even though it will be a complete change in his profession and lifestyle.
"Kacey is what I would call 'a prosecutor's prosecutor;' a consummate professional who well understands the law and the inner workings of our legal system and who manifests an abiding passion to see that justice be done within the confines of that system," Miller said.
"Although I am sure that he will bring the same passion and professionalism to his military career, I have to say, that, based upon my close association with him, I hope that he can turn his path back to the field of criminal prosecution after his duty tour ends because he has major talents in that field that will be sorely missed in our community and by me personally."
Upon his return from active duty, Proctor reportedly plans to seek the office of Butler County prosecuting attorney in next year's elections for a term beginning in 2019.
"I applaud his dedication to such a career move even though Ripley County would be losing a great assistant prosecutor if he wins," Miller said.