Heise receives professionalism award

BOISE — Bonner County magistrate court Judge Debra Heise is being honored by the Idaho Judiciary for her professionalism.

Heise was picked as this year's recipient of the George G. Granata Award, which is presented annually to an Idaho judge in recognition of their professionalism.

Recipients of the award are selected due to their significant contributions to the Idaho judicial system over a substantial period of time. The honor also recognizes the impact of the a judge's professionalism and their status as a role model.

The award's namesake is the late Judge George Granata, who exemplified judicial professionalism during his 20-year stint on the Idaho bench.

Heise received her undergraduate degree from Georgetown University and graduated from the Florida State University Law School.

Heise was admitted to the Florida Bar in 1977 and to the Idaho Bar in 1978.

Prior to assuming the bench in 1985, she was a partner in the Fuller & Heise law firm in Caldwell. She has served as secretary, vice president and president of the 3rd District Bar Association.

Heise has also served on both the pro bono and fee arbitration committees of the Idaho State Bar.

First District Magistrate Judge Barbara Buchanan nominated Heise for the Granata Professionalism Award because of her efforts to improve the administration of justice in Bonner County.

Heise has served the people of Idaho with absolute integrity, great compassion and intelligence, Buchanan said.

"Judge Heise truly embodies the highest level of judicial professionalism. She is the senior judge in the 1st Judicial District. She has served the people of Bonner County and the state of Idaho with distinction and dedication for nearly 20 years.

"I cannot think of another judge who is a better role model or more of an inspiration to her colleagues," said Buchanan.