By By JOHN EBY / Edwardsburg Argus
CASSOPOLIS -- Circuit Judge Michael E. Dodge introduced Muskegon County's senior trial attorney, Victor A. Fitz, 45, Tuesday as Cass County's new prosecuting attorney.
Fitz, who expects to start May 19, said, "I'll be looking to find a home here in Cass County very quickly and I've got a few things I need to finish up in Muskegon County for Prosecutor Tague. And I think I'll take a quick week of vacation because I don't plan to take any for a long time once I start."
Fitz acknowledged the "robust" number of 15 Cass County commissioners, which to him is "more than a jury."
Scott Teter resigned March 9 to accept a job with the Michigan Attorney General's Office.
First, he said, he advertised extensively. Fifteen individuals initially applied for the appointment.
The judge established an interview committee to assist with the initial stage of the process.
Schmidt, a former Dowagiac attorney and school board president, was an assistant prosecutor for Dodge during his tenure as prosecutor. He is currently a senior partner with the Indianapolis law firm of Kreigh, DeVault.
Fitz graduated from the Valparaiso, Ind., University School of Law in 1983, then went to work for the Tuscola County Prosecutor's Office -- "an office and county much like ours here in Cass," Dodge said. Fitz served as assistant prosecutor from 1983 to 1987, when he was promoted chief assistant.
In the almost 16 years Fitz has worked in Muskegon, Dodge said, he has tried "well over 100 felony jury trials with outstanding success. This would include 19 homicide trials, 56 life offense trials, 25 major drug trials and 13 armed robbery trials.
Dodge said, "The circuit judges before whom he has practiced, the sheriffs and law enforcement personnel with whom he has worked all speak very highly of Mr. Fitz. They have described him as an excellent prosecutor, an outstanding trial attorney, a perfect gentleman in every respect and a man of utmost integrity.
Fitz pledged that he and his staff "will serve and protect families, victims, fairness and justice. The bottom line is that myself and the attorneys and staff of the Cass County Prosecutor's Office will work hard and long hours to insure that the public is protected in Cass County."
Fitz earned his bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University in May 1979 majoring in history, with minors in journalism and political science. He was 1978-79 Student Senate president and competed in varsity cross country.
Born in Grand Rapids, Fitz lived in Traverse City from age 13. His father was a Lutheran minister for about 15 years in Grand Rapids. He grew up in the middle of five children.
Of Cass County he said, "I thought it looked like a great place to live."
Fitz warned courthouse Notre Dame fans that he is a lifelong University of Michigan fan.