ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Two Second Judicial District Court judges are set to retire at the end of this year. Judge Stan Whitaker will retire from the bench on December 20, and Judge Debra Ramirez will retire on December 30. Judge Ramirez moved to New Mexico in 1991 after earning her degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Law and practicing law in Colorado. She joined the Second Judicial District Court in 2009 as Special Commissioner of the Family Court Division and then took the bench in 2014. 2 Metro Court judges to retire "It has been an honor to work with such incredible judges and staff over the years. I feel truly blessed to have had such a successful career," said Judge Ramirez. "I will certainly miss my time with the court.” Judge Whitaker was appointed to the Second Judicial District Court in 2006 after working as a Domestic Violence Special Commissioner in the Family Court Division and an assistant United States Attorney with the U.S. Attorney's Office. He served as Chief Judge of the court from 2018 to 2021. "I am honored to have worked alongside Judge Whitaker," said Chief Judge Marie Ward. "Hisdedication to justice and service has been a true asset to this court. His leadership and commitment have made a lasting impact, and his service will be greatly missed."