UPDATE: Retiring Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Wills was celebrated Thursday afternoon in an emotional ceremony held in Courtroom 4 of the Delaware County Courthouse in Media, Pennsylvania. The courtroom was filled to capacity with colleagues and friends, both current and former, honoring Wills for her remarkable career spanning nearly three decades.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Outgoing District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and incoming District Attorney Tanner Rouse presented Wills with a plaque recognizing her dedication to public service. “It’s hard for me to even imagine what this office is going to be like without her,” Stollsteimer remarked, humorously noting that her retirement prompted his own decision to leave the office.
Rouse described Wills as a “legendary attorney” whose absence will be deeply felt in the legal community. “Her guidance and work ethic were my North Star,” he said, emphasizing how her mentorship shaped his own career over the past six years.
Wills, who began her journey as a college intern in 1994, reflected on her time with the DA’s office, stating, “I have loved being a DA…I’m just grateful that I was able to do it for as long as I have.” She has held various roles within the office, rising through the ranks to become a highly respected prosecutor and leader.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: As Wills retires, her legacy of dedication to justice and her impactful work on high-profile cases, including homicides, resonates deeply within the community. Many are left considering the future of the DA’s office without her influential presence. Her career highlights include navigating the complexities of cases during the COVID-19 pandemic and mentoring younger attorneys, which has left an indelible mark on the office.
Wills expressed her gratitude to those who supported her throughout her career, acknowledging the teamwork that has been essential to her success. “We would still get letters and notes from families even months after,” she said, reflecting on the emotional connections formed through her work.
LOOKING AHEAD: With her retirement officially underway, Wills plans to spend more time with family and is not ruling out a return to the legal field in the future. As she steps away from a demanding role, she leaves behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and dedication to justice.
As the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office prepares for this significant transition, all eyes will be on how the new leadership under Rouse will continue Wills’ mission to uphold justice in the community. The impact of her departure will be felt for years to come, as colleagues and community members alike reflect on her unparalleled contributions.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
