WARREN — After three decades on the bench, Trumbull County Common Pleas Court Judge Andrew D. Logan is preparing to step down from his role at the court.

“I’m proud of the general, overall workings of my court,” Logan said in an interview reflecting on his career. “I’ve had a great staff here all the way through, and we’ve resolved cases for the benefit of the people of Trumbull County.”

He also highlighted his tenure as administrative judge for 29 consecutive years, a role in which he oversaw substantial improvements to the courthouse.

“The courthouse is in as good or better shape now than when I came in 30 years ago,” he noted, crediting a user fee system for funding renovations and upkeep.

Logan’s dedication extended beyond courthouse aesthetics. He was a driving force behind access to justice initiatives, particularly the establishment of the county’s drug court program. “Shortly after I came on, we saw a hole in the system,” he said. “We applied for a federal grant and set up one of the most successful drug courts in the state. It was a joint effort involving the prosecutor’s office, public defenders and treatment providers.”

Logan’s passion for rehabilitation over punishment was clear. Reflecting on the area’s struggles with drug epidemics, he recalled a shift in his judicial philosophy.

“There was a mindset in courts to treat addiction as a crime instead of an illness,” Logan said. “Drug court was all about breaking the cycle of addiction and criminal behavior. You don’t win all the cases, but even getting a few people over the finish line makes a difference.”

One particularly rewarding moment came when Logan heard from a former drug court participant.

“I was visiting my daughter in Colorado when her contractor mentioned someone who said our drug court saved his life. Moments like that validate the work we’ve done,” he said.

In addition to rehabilitation efforts, Logan took a firm stance on drug trafficking.

“Trafficking is different than use,” he said. “Those putting poison like fentanyl on the streets need to face tough sentences. It’s something I’ve always taken seriously.”

Logan’s career was shaped by mentorship from judges like John Stuard and W. Wyatt McKay, whom he described as pivotal influences.

“Judge Stuard was very cerebral and professional. He was my mentor as I came on, and I learned as much as I could from him,” Logan said.

As he prepares for retirement, Logan looks forward to traveling and spending time with his family but hasn’t ruled out future involvement in the judicial system as a visiting judge.

“It’s going to be a change,” he said, reflecting on the transition. “But I’m leaving the court in good hands, and I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished.”

Logan oversaw his final drug court graduation and criminal court day earlier this month.