Preston S. O’Connor has announced he is running for magisterial district judge in District 31-3-01 in the May 16 Municipal Primary Election.

District Judge Rod Beck has announced he is retiring.

O’Connor says he proudly served as a Whitehall Township police officer for 19-and-a-half years before retiring in 2015.

“My duties included patrolman, field training officer, commercial vehicle enforcement, and use of force and firearms instructor,” O’Connor says. “I also am a former Lehigh County detective at the Lehigh County DUI Center.

“My extensive work experience, coupled with my continuous law enforcement education and training, has given me the practical knowledge, understanding and skill to apply the law correctly and make fair and impartial decisions.

“I have experienced the personal satisfaction from helping people during my career.”

A U.S. Army veteran, O’Connor is retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

“My MOS was 11B (Infantryman),” O’Connor says. “I deployed to Kosovo, Hurricane Katrina Disaster Relief, and Iraq with Company C 1/111 Infantry (Kutztown) 56 Brigade SBCT (Stryker).

“I earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge and the Parachutist Badge (Airborne Wings).

“I was awarded the Iraq Campaign Medal and the Kosovo Campaign Metal for participating in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, respectively.

“I was also awarded the Global War on Terrorism Medal and numerous other commendations during my 21 years of service in the Army.

O’Connor is lifelong resident of Lehigh County.

“My ancestors first settled in Allentown in the 1700s, fought in the Revolutionary War, and built historic Trout Hall in Allentown,” O’Connor says. “I have deep roots in Lehigh County and sincerely care about the safety of our community and our families.

O’Connor says he looks forward to serving the residents of Heidelberg, Lowhill, Lynn, Weisenberg and Washington townships and the borough of Slatington.

“My extensive experience and education will allow me to make fair and impartial decisions and makes me the best candidate for magisterial district judge,” O’Connor said. “I am a registered Republican but I plan to cross file in the upcoming election.”

O’Connor lives in Washington Township with his wife and two sons.

“My lifetime of practical experience paired with the discipline and dedication of a soldier makes me, Preston S. O’Connor, the best candidate for magisterial district judge.”

District 31-3-01 covers Lynn, Lowhill, Heidelberg, Washington and Weisenberg townships and the borough of Slatington.