Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Rebecca Buitendorp was sworn in Friday afternoon as Porter County’s newest Circuit Court Judge by her predecessor Indiana Court of Appeals Judge Mary DeBoer.

It’s not only a natural continuation of 22 years as a prosecutor here and in surrounding counties, but a further commitment to the career Buitendorp settled on in the fifth grade. Her parents Kathy and Kelly Caudill, of Knox, sat in the gallery to watch their daughter being sworn in. “She went to shadow someone and she never changed,” said her mom Kathy Caudill.

Buitendorp was one of 12 applicants who applied for the job after DeBoer’s appointment to the Court of Appeals by Governor Eric Holcomb in October. “It’s the only constitutional court which makes it kind of special, whereas the other ones are created by statute,” DeBoer said of the sole circuit court in the county.

The “other ones,” the county’s five Superior Court judges, were on hand to witness her swearing-in, as well as the juvenile court magistrate whom Buitendorp will oversee, and the commissioner of the court who hears cases such as small claims. The Circuit Court hears all high-level felonies, from Level 6 to murder, as well as one-third of all civil matters, and manages the juvenile court system in Porter County.

“It’s like a double job,” said DeBoer, who held the position for five years following the late Judge Mary Harper. “I think Rebecca has no idea. It’s like childbirth. You don’t know what you don’t know.”

Before swearing Buitendorp in DeBoer explained to the crowd gathered that “this whole process is quite an ordeal.” She told them not only the candidates were interviewed and vetted by the Governor’s office, but their colleagues and those who work with and live beside them in the community were interviewed as well. When this process is complete the governor then has 60 days to make his selection.

“There were many, many good, good candidates who applied,” DeBoer said, “and I think it shows by her appointment that she certainly has the chops.” DeBoer said she was able to fill the governor’s staff in on the trials and tribulations of the Circuit Court. “There’s always drama. There’s always excitement. She’ll be able to handle it.”

Buitendorp said a few words following the swearing-in. “I’m deeply honored to follow in the footsteps of two strong women,” she said. She thanked her husband Seth, whom she met in law school, for picking up the slack when needed, and tearfully acknowledged her family, particularly her parents and daughter. “Your support and cheerleading over the years have been a constant source of strength.”

Porter County Prosecutor Gary Germann, who hired Buitendorp when he was elected six years ago, said “she’s a great lawyer. She had a good sense of how to evaluate a case. I’m just going to miss her, and as good a lawyer as she is, she’s a better person.”

Germann said he already has a replacement to fill Buitendorp’s role as one of 16 deputy prosecutors. It’s a role she’s held in one place or another since graduating from Valparaiso University School of Law.

Her first job as prosecutor was in Lake County for four years, followed by another four years in St. Joseph County, and six years in Porter County the first time. She then served as chief of staff for John Espar in LaPorte County and returned to Porter County when Germann took office.

“I love doing work for victims and doing my best to deliver justice for them,” she said of her love for the role of prosecutor.

“I’m super excited at being able to serve the community in this new capacity.” She begins hearing cases Feb. 3.

Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.