Polk County will potentially have to hold a special election come November for another judicial spot after Judge Tony Brazier is retiring from his seat on the Probate Court on July 15.

Brazier, 61, began his term in 2020 shortly after he won the primary. He will on an interim basis be replaced by Associate Probate Judge Shayne Green.

Elections Director Noah Beck noted that he is getting guidance from the state on whether an appointment for full-time Probate Court Judge can be made for the rest of the term, or if a special election will have to be held.

A full answer on that question is expected later this afternoon.

Brazier said his retirement comes for health reasons that will require him to spend extended amounts of time away from court.

“I’m truly heartbroken that my time as a public servant is coming to a close in this way,” Brazier said. “But as much as I must consider the concerns over my own health, I must also consider how a prolonged absence on my part will impact the court and the people I serve and work with every day. The overall health of the court is just as big of a concern to me, and to ensure it continues to function I must step aside.”

Brazier informed Polk Today on Wednesday night of his intentions to retire, noting that he had put in his paperwork and his last day in office would be July 15.

He has worked in public service and safety roles since 1979, which included time as an EMT and several years as the Polk County Coroner from 2014 until he stepped down from the office in 2020.

He also previously worked at Lester C. Litesey Funeral Home in Cedartown before he began his role as Probate Judge in 2020. His work as a judge began not long after winning the primary for the seat and took over early for former Judge Linda Smith, who retired a few months short of finishing her final year in office.

Brazier said he might be stepping away from public life for now, but hopes after he has a chance to recover from his current health issues that he can find new ways to serve.

“If I’m able, I hope that I can begin to give back in other ways here in Polk County. What that looks like, I won’t know for a while,” he said.

Brazier unfortunately also had to put a pause for the time being on his continuing education. He has been working for the past several years on a doctorate focusing on criminal behavior and psychology. He hopes to get back to work on his dissertation as soon as possible.