Juvenile detention center renamed in honor of Judge Robb
Dec. 9—The Buchanan County Commissioners recently approved a name change for the county's juvenile detention center which houses area youth.
The Commissioners unanimously approved the renaming of Buchanan County Academy in honor of the honorable Judge Patrick K. Robb, a judge who has served Buchanan and Andrew counties on the 5th Judicial Circuit Court of Missouri bench for 38 years.
Judge Robb celebrated his retirement this past Friday, Dec. 6, and he will officially retire on Dec. 31.
The juvenile facility will now be named the Patrick K. Robb Academy.
"This was an idea brought forth by many people and many groups," said Ron Hook, Western District Commissioner for Buchanan County. "I don't think a single person would disagree that it's very fitting because he's done so much for the youth and so much for the community being a judge. Now his legacy will be displayed right next to his longtime friend Frank D. Connett.
Judge Frank D. Connett, Jr. also served as judge for Division three of the 5th Judicial Circuit Court for 30 years prior to Robb's appointment, Connett is named on the building alongside the newly named Patrick K. Robb Academy.
The Honorable Frank D. Connett, Jr. Juvenile Justice Center is a secure six-bed residential detention center to house juveniles coming within the jurisdiction of the 5th Judicial Circuit Court.
When it comes to working with juveniles, court officials' main priority is to help rehabilitate the youth by addressing the root cause of criminal behavior and help them develop positive life skills.
"Throughout his career, Robb illustrated the ability to be sympathetic to the youth and the foster system, while also keeping criminals off the street," Commissioner Hook added.
"He's always going to make sure he's doing what's right for the community and the people in it," Commissioner Hook said. "By taking hardened criminals off the street, if that was what he needed to do he did it. He'll be missed around here but we all wish him well."
The name change is expected to be completed in the spring of 2025.
Jenna Wilson can be reached at jenna.wilson@newspressnow.com.
