FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO) — Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull announced she will not seek re-election and will retire at the end of her term on Dec. 31, 2026, concluding nearly three decades of service on the criminal bench. Gull, who has served as a judge in the Allen Superior Court Criminal Div ision for almost 30 years, said the decision followed months of discussion with family and close friends. “It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve the citizens of Allen County and the State of Indiana as a criminal court judge,” Gull said in a statement. “Together with my colleagues, past and present, I have helped to establish one of the best judiciaries in the state.” Gull was elected in 1996 to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Philip R. Thieme. She won a contested race that year against five candidates and went on to win four subsequent elections unopposed. Gull said she chose not to run again because she would not complete another six-year term and did not want to imply otherwise to voters. “I chose not to run for re-election because I would not complete another six-year term,” she said. “I trust that the voters will once again make the right choice for my replacement.” During her tenure, Gull became widely known for her work in jury reform. Her efforts led to the creation of the Indiana Jury Rules in 2002, which were adopted by the Indiana Supreme Court the following year. In 2015, the National Center for State Courts awarded Gull the G. Munsterman Award for Jury Innovation, recognizing her work to improve jury trials. In 2013, Gull and Judge Thomas Felts established Allen County’s first Joint Veterans Treatment Court Program, designed to address the unique needs of justice-involved veterans. Gull also presides over the Allen Superior Court Drug Court Program, a treatment-based alternative to incarceration focused on rehabilitation and recovery. “I am especially proud of the professionals serving the Drug Court population, recognizing the need for second chances, rehabilitation, and redemption,” Gull said. Gull said she has presided over more than 1,000 jury trials during her career, including numerous high-profile cases, and acknowledged the demands of the position. “Those cases are difficult and take a toll,” she said. “Now it is my opportunity to relax, spend time with family, friends, and my dogs, play with my grandchildren, expand my gardens, and travel.” Following her retirement, Gull said she plans to continue serving as a senior judge to assist her colleagues, particularly with the Drug Court Program. “I have every confidence that the judiciary remains in good hands in Allen County,” she said. The post Allen Superior Court Judge Fran Gull Will Not Seek Re-Election, Plans Retirement appeared first on WOWO News/Talk 92.3 FM and 1190 AM. ...read more read less