By: Lydia Crawley
The Parsons Advocate
After four years on the bench, Magistrate Judge Brian K. Wilfong is running for reelection. Wilfong, a lifelong resident of Tucker County, has served as Magistrate for Division 2 since 2020.
According to Wilfong, he began his career in law enforcement in 1985 with the Preston County Sheriff’s Office with later taking a position with the Tucker County Sheriff in 1989 where he remained until 2008. In 2008, according to Wilfong, he accepted a position as Special Deputy Marshall in Elkins before he became Tucker County Sheriff in 2013, serving two terms.
Wilfong accredits his law enforcement experience and hours in the courtroom as a witness and bailiff with giving him valuable knowledge of the court system. “I got to see how the court ran,” Wilfong said. “I got to see the Judge’s make their decisions. They made a big impact on me and I learned there that there are two sides to every story.”
Wilfong said that while he does not have a law degree, Magistrate Judges are required by the State to take a course in Magistrate Law and required yearly training.
Wilfong said he has worked in Federal, Circuit, Family and Magistrate Courts over the decades. “Throughout my entire career, I have studied, executed and upheld the law,” Wilfong said. “I just try to be fair and impartial and judge the case on what the evidence is that comes before me.”
According to Wilfong, he considers himself to be a man of integrity, honesty, fairness and morality and holds those beliefs at the forefront of his life. “If elected Magistrate, I will decide cases fairly and impartially, free of political influence or intimidation,” Wilfong said.
Wilfong said he has a long lifetime devotion to Tucker County where he currently resides in the Blackman Flats area of Hambleton. Wilfong is a graduate of the Tucker County High School class of 1981 and is married to Chrissy. Wilfong said he has three children and two grandchildren.
