Jay Wilber, who has been the Broome County public defender since 2002, is about to retire.

Wilber's last day on the job is to be Friday. He has worked in the office for nearly three decades.

According to a Broome County news release, Wilber started his law career in private practice. He became an assistant public defender in 1989 and was appointed acting public defender in 2001. His appointment was made permanent the following year.

County executive Jason Garnar on Tuesday thanked Wilber for his "dedicated service" in the public defender's office.

Garnar announced the appointment of Michael Baker as acting public defender. Baker has been serving as the chief assistant in the office.

The public defender is appointed by the county executive from a list provided by a "merit selection committee." The term of appointment for the public defender is five years.

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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