UPDATE: In a heartfelt farewell, retiring Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Wills was honored in a packed courtroom on Thursday afternoon, reflecting on her remarkable career with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. The ceremony, held in Courtroom 4 in Media, PA, featured tributes from outgoing District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and incoming DA Tanner Rouse, who praised Wills for her decades of dedication to public service.
Wills’ retirement marks the end of a legendary tenure that began in 1994 as a college intern. “It’s hard for me to even imagine what this office is going to be like without her,” Stollsteimer remarked, humorously noting that her announcement prompted his own decision to retire. Both he and Rouse presented Wills with a plaque in recognition of her exceptional service and impact.
Rouse described Wills as “a legendary attorney who cannot be replaced,” emphasizing her invaluable guidance throughout the challenges of COVID-19 and her role as a mentor. “Without her counsel, I would very simply have been lost,” he stated, underscoring her influence on both his professional life and the legal community.
During her emotional acknowledgment, Wills expressed gratitude towards her colleagues and reflected on her love for being a prosecutor. “I have loved being a DA,” she said, recalling her first moments in the courtroom as a certified legal intern. Her commitment to justice and support for victims has left an indelible mark on the community.
Wills, who has been a fixture in the courthouse, has held various roles within the office, culminating in her position as Deputy of the Trial Unit since 2020. Throughout her career, she tackled high-profile cases, including homicides, and took pride in securing justice for families. “I loved it. It was, you know, for all the marbles,” she said about her first homicide case, emphasizing the seriousness and dedication required in such trials.
Despite the challenges she faced, including the emotional weight of cases where justice remained elusive, Wills’ legacy includes a commitment to thorough investigations and a focus on victim advocacy. She has seen significant changes during her career, including the office’s first female DA and the first Democrat to lead the office.
As she prepares to retire at just 51 years old, Wills plans to spend time with her family, leaving the door open for future opportunities in law or beyond. “It’s been a long time and I’m ready,” she concluded, hinting at a potential return to the profession she loves.
As the Delaware County legal community bids farewell to Wills, her contributions and mentorship will be missed, inspiring a new generation of prosecutors to uphold the values she embodied. The emotional ceremony serves as a reminder of the profound impact one dedicated individual can have on justice and community safety.
