Mark Davis

Mark Davis

BUCKHANNON — Retirement didn’t last long for Upshur County’s newest magistrate.

Mark Davis, who recently retired as a captain from the Upshur County Sheriff’s Department, was named Wednesday to fill the vacancy left by Mike Coffman.

Coffman, who was elected to his fourth term in the June 2020 Primary Election, accepted an appointment by Sheriff Virgil Miller to be the chief deputy of law enforcement in the sheriff’s department beginning Jan. 7, which created an open position. Miller became sheriff Jan. 1, 2021.

Davis was one of four people who submitted letters to the 26th Judicial Circuit expressing their interest. Judge Jacob Reger and Judge Kurt Hall announced in a pres release Davis’ appointment to fill Coffman’s seat as the Division 1 Magistrate for Upshur County through the 2022 Primary Election.

Davis said he was excited to begin.

“I have been a public servant for 34 years with the sheriff’s office,” he said. “In my police career, I have met a lot of people and got to work with the community in a lot of different aspects. I just want to continue that. The magistrate position is going to give me an opportunity to fulfil that and continue to work serving the people of Upshur County.”

There is a three-week waiting period in which someone may challenge the appointment. After that, Davis can be sworn in as the magistrate.

During that period, Davis said he will be able to observe under a magistrate and shadow them to learn.

Davis said he was adjusting to retirement but looking forward to coming back to the courthouse in a different capacity.

He also said he intends to run for the position in the next election.

“It is something I want to do,” he said. “I’m just excited about the opportunity. I appreciate the chance to be able to serve in this capacity as a magistrate. I want to be able to go in there and do my very best.”

Davis is pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Buckhannon and said he will continue in that role without any issues.

“In doing that, with being a magistrate, that duty becomes a priority – as it should be,” he said.

For example, there will be weekends when Davis is on call which he said will not be a problem as he was on call throughout his law enforcement career.

Davis and his wife, Brenda, reside in Upshur County.

“It’s a great community of people,” Davis said. “It’s a blessing to be able to come back and continue to serve.”