UPDATE: In a heartfelt ceremony on Thursday, Deputy District Attorney Stephanie Wills was honored for her remarkable service to the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office as she prepares for retirement. The event, held in Courtroom 4 of the County Courthouse in Media, was filled to capacity with colleagues and friends, showcasing the profound impact Wills has had throughout her career.
JUST ANNOUNCED: Outgoing District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer and incoming District Attorney Tanner Rouse presented Wills with a plaque celebrating her dedication to public service. Stollsteimer, who is transitioning to the Court of Common Pleas, humorously remarked, “It’s hard for me to even imagine what this office is going to be like without her.”
Wills, who began her career as a college intern in 1994, has been a cornerstone of the DA’s office for nearly three decades. Rouse described her as “a legendary attorney who cannot be replaced,” emphasizing the invaluable mentorship and support she provided during their six years working together.
In an emotional address, Wills reflected on her journey, stating, “I have loved being a DA. I knew from the very first minute that I sat at a counsel table as a certified legal intern that this was what I was meant to do.” She expressed gratitude for the colleagues who supported her throughout her distinguished career.
Throughout her tenure, Wills has been involved in prosecuting some of the county’s highest-profile cases, including homicides that demanded the utmost diligence and dedication. “I think I got assigned my first homicide in 2000 and I loved it,” she said, recalling the challenges and triumphs of her work.
Wills has also faced significant challenges, including navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring justice was served. She noted, “There were only a couple of us who really kept the place running. I was happy to be a part of that.”
As she steps away from her role, Wills plans to spend more time with her family but has not ruled out a potential return to the legal field in the future. At just 51 years old, her passion for law remains strong, and she stated, “We’ll see what comes. … It’s a long run and it’s a tiring job, so I think that has something to do with it.”
Her retirement marks the end of an era for the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office. As Wills leaves behind a legacy of dedication, professionalism, and mentorship, her colleagues are left to reflect on the profound impact she has made on the community and the justice system.
For the Delaware County community, her departure is not just a loss of an exceptional prosecutor but a reminder of the commitment to justice and public service that Wills embodied throughout her career.
