 Coogan was appointed associate circuit judge in March 1985 and
served in that capacity until November 1998, when he was elected as
circuit judge, succeeding Gerald Dehner, who retired. Coogan was
retained in 2004.
In a letter to Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Robb, Judge Coogan
stated:
"It has been a high honor and privilege to serve the citizens of
Logan County as associate judge and as resident circuit judge since
1985. My time on the bench has been very personally and
professionally fulfilling, and I wish to express my appreciation to
my family, staff, fellow judges, attorneys, officeholders and the
citizens that have assisted and encouraged me on this journey."
"Judge Coogan is an excellent judge and a consummate gentleman,"
stated Robb. "He is a dedicated public servant, and the citizens of
Logan County have been well-served during his long tenure on the
bench."
Coogan, a native of Lincoln, graduated from Western Illinois
University in 1965 and received his law degree from the University
of Illinois School of Law in 1968.
He served as an assistant state's attorney in Logan County and
was in private practice in Lincoln before going on the bench. He
also served as the city attorney for Lincoln, the Logan County
public administrator and the Logan County public defender.
[to top of second column]
 |
In accordance with Supreme Court rules, formal notification of his
resignation was sent to Chief Justice Robert R. Thomas and Justice
Rita K. Garman of the 4th District, of which the 11th Circuit is a
part.
In his letter of resignation, Coogan stated, "This prospective
resignation is being made at this time to declare that a vacancy
exists and to allow potential candidates to circulate petitions for
this position and run in the February 2008 primary election."
Coogan's position will be filled in the November 2008 general
election.
[Text from file received from
Chief Judge Elizabeth A. Robb, 11th Judicial Circuit]
 |
