Hufnagel retires as Clinton County magistrate
Over 35 years of service to local residents

By Rhonda Westfall

Death often sharpens the perspective of life.

That is true for Tony Hufnagel who retires at the end of December after over 35 years of service to Clinton County - the last 17 as its magistrate and district court administrator.

The passing of his mother, Hilda Hufnagel, Dec. 6 helped to coalesce the reflections that were forming on a long and positive career. Hilda's own life of service as a teacher for 35 years in county schools was the key.

"So many of her former students and parents of students came up to us during the visitation and talked about how Mother had provided the direction that changed their lives," Tony says.

"If I've been able to do that - change an attitude in a positive way - I'll be satisfied."

There have certainly been ample opportunities to do so.

The Clinton County native began his career as a "turn-key - that's a jailer" with the sheriff department in June 1966. He later became a road deputy and was appointed as Clinton County undersheriff in 1971 when Hilary Hafner retired.

He served as undersheriff for Sheriff Percy Patterson until 1972 when he ran for the office himself, holding the position as the top county cop for three consecutive terms.

"I enjoyed the work and loved the people - but not the election process every four years," Tony says of his decision not to seek re-election in 1984.

Although he had no idea for future employment at the time, a victory by Jeff Martlew in the race for judge of the 65th Judicial District Court provided the answer.

"Jeff came to me and asked me to be magistrate and his court administrator," Tony says of his start in the position that has continued on under the current judge, Richard Wells.

While he's enjoyed the closing years of his career on the judicial side of law enforcement, time spent "on the road" with fellow officers holds a special place in his heart.

"That's always been my first love," Tony says. "You have direct contact with the public on their own turf - and direct contact with the victims that creates a feeling of empathy."

The magistrate believes his background in law enforcement has given him an expanded insight on the workings of the court system.

"You have a better understanding of the victims and the impact crime has had on their lives, and also provides a better feel for the type of punishment that would be appropriate to the crime," he says.

All traffic matters come before the county magistrate who determines if the person is responsible for the infraction. The magistrate also sets bond and arraigns suspects in their first appearance on any criminal matter, and sets the fines and penalties on specified 90-day misdemeanor charges.

On a brighter note, the magistrate also officiates at marriage ceremonies - a duty that Tony found enjoyable.

"We were averaging about 80 a year for awhile there," he recalls. "We used to perform the ceremonies out under the big cottonwood tree at the old district court building when the weather was nice.

"One of the most memorable weddings was during the Mint Festival the year that they had the Civil War encampment - that was an enjoyable experience."

His lengthy career in law enforcement also provides a wealth of memories - most not as pleasant as performing weddings.

"There was the big 'rustling caper' back in the late '70s - lots of cattle came up missing before that was solved," Tony remembers, "and the murder at Priggoris Park - that's still unsolved."

The former sheriff earned a Certificate of Commendation from the Michigan State Police for his quick action that led to the apprehension of a murder suspect. The incident began with a shooting in Gratiot County, followed by reports of the suspect fleeing south on US-27.

"I heard the reports at home on the scanner and drove my unmarked vehicle north where I spotted the car around French Road," Tony recalls, noting that he called back and orchestrated a road block near the St. Johns city limits while he turned and tailed the suspect south.

"He saw those police cars converged near the curve at US-27 and drove his car into the ditch - and I was right behind him."

A "framed MSP sleeve" that he received on his departure from law enforcement is one of his most prized mementos - as is his 1975 graduation certificate from the FBI Academy in Virginia.

"I thoroughly enjoyed that experience," Tony says.

Future plans include time spent with the family that he is very proud of. He and his wife, Lana, celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in October. They have four grown children - Kurt, Eric, and Karl (Bubba), and Jeneen Savage - and eight grandchildren.

"We've got an awfully close family - our roots are here and this is where we'll remain," Tony says, adding that Lana has a "honey-do list" waiting and he hopes to spend more time in his woodworking shop.

He does admit that he will miss his "family" at the courthouse, though.

"The staff here really directs the operation of the court - they have a wealth of knowledge - I'll really miss them," Tony says, also praising the judges. "We have an excellent judiciary in the county - they’re hard-working and extremely knowledgeable."

Well-wishers will have a chance to say farewell to the magistrate during an open house planned from 2 to 4 p.m., Dec. 21, at the courthouse.