Magisterial District Judge William J. Kissner was awarded the John T. Jeffers Memorial Award at the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania annual conference held in June in Fayette County.

The conference was attended by 110 Magisterial district judges and Judge Kissner was nominated by his peers from across the Commonwealth in recognition of his dedication, commitment and unselfish service to the SCJAP.

Judge Kissner was accompanied by his wife, Marlyn Kissner, and were seated with Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice Christine Donohue, Justice Kevin P. Brobson, and Justice Dan McCaffery.

The John T. Jeffers Memorial Award recipient must have made significant contributions to the SCJAP over the previous 18 months. The factors to be considered include outstanding service, participation, motivation, cooperation, knowledge and accomplishments for the good of the SCJAP. The SCJAP Executive Committee determines the recipient of this award.

Judge Kissner is a past president of the SCJAP serving in 2022-2023.

He serves on the SCJAP Strategic Planning Committee as vice-chair, court administration, budget and finance and audit committees. He is one of four Magisterial District Judges who are special liaisons for the SCJAP to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Judge Kissner served as the SCJAP District 10 President from 2012-2020, covering Carbon, Berks, Lehigh, Monroe, Northampton and Schuylkill counties. He is on the Pennsylvania Judicial Conduct Board, and serves as secretary for the JCB.

Kissner said, “I am humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers and grateful for the opportunity to work with my fellow jurists and serve my community.”

John T. Jeffers was a veteran justice of the peace and district justice. He was SCJAP President from 1985 to 1987. He served on many SCJAP committees, including public relations chairman, publication chairman, legislative committee, continuing education committee, and minor court rules committee. Jeffers was a former journalist and a University of Notre Dame alumnus.