Judges Geoffrey Hall and Kale Burdick were recognized as the 2020 distinguished judges by the Nebraska Judicial Branch.

The title of distinguished judge is the highest honor presented to judges by the Nebraska Supreme Court. The awards were presented in mid-October by Chief Justice Michael Heavican, according to a Judicial Branch news release.

Hall, the presiding judge of District 6 Adult Drug Court in Fremont, was presented with the Improvement of the Judicial System award for his focus on true and innovative rehabilitation.

Along with his judgeship, he is a leader in Nebraska’s statewide drug and problem-solving court systems.

“Judge Hall obviously exemplifies what it means to be a judge who has improved the judicial system through his many good works,” Heavican said.

Hall’s approach to his position is on finding adequate resources to ensure that the people who step foot in his court can make a genuine change in their lives. The state Judicial Branch notes that Hall’s leadership has led to the Dodge County Drug Court becoming the gold standard for problem-solving courts.

Burdick, a volunteer firefighter and a county court judge in rural O’Neill, was honored with the Service to the Community and Improvement of Community Relations award. Since his appointment to the bench in 2017, he has been heavily involved in the local community.

Heavican said that Burdick is “a great example of judges who go the extra mile not only in their courtrooms but in their communities.”

Burdick’s leadership shines brightly at the O’Neill Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Since joining in 2017, he moved up the ranks from Fire Fighter 1 certification to Aerial Capitan and, in 2020, to City Capitan.

Heavican said during the award presentation that the Juidical Branch thanks all the judges who have stepped up in 2020 and overcome the difficulties brought by the coronavirus pandemic.

“The entire Supreme Court is so pleased with the way that all of you picked up the ball and kept the courts open and the way that you are providing access to justice for everybody in the State of Nebraska. Good work to you,” Heavican said.