Brian,
You have accomplished so much with PDAP. It is completely understandable to make the choice you have. Prosecutors with integrity are important and I’m sure your PD life will serve you and your County well.
Best of luck.
Nathan

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________________________________
From: chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com <chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com> on behalf of Mary Morris <mmorris@tiogacountypa.us>
Sent: Monday, April 3, 2023 8:00:34 AM
To: chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com <chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] - RE: My Departure

EXTERNAL: Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.

Happy for you. You will do good work , as always.

Best of everything for you, Mary

From: chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com <chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com>
Sent: Sunday, April 2, 2023 10:46 PM
To: generalposting@pdap.simplelists.com; chiefdefenders@pdap.simplelists.com; board@pdap.simplelists.com
Subject: My Departure

CAUTION: This email originated from outside your organization. Exercise caution when opening attachments or clicking links, especially from unknown senders.

Friends and Colleagues:

There are certain things that I am a master procrastinator with.  This is one of them.  I ask that despite the busy, hectic schedule that our jobs as public defenders impose upon you that you take a moment to read my entire email.  It is my hope that something that I say here will resonate with each of you – and especially those that know me best.

I write to tell you that I’ve resigned as Chief Defender of Lebanon County.  My last day at the office will be April 28th.  On May 1st, I will start as a Senior Deputy District Attorney in our DA’s office.

My journey as a public defender started as conflict counsel when I joined a firm here in Lebanon County and the partners wanted me to get more courtroom experience (since sitting and doing depositions and medical records reviews in insurance defense cases was not the best way to do that).  I joined the Lebanon County Public Defender’s Office in January of 2003.  I have now been in the PD’s Office for a bit over 20 years – making me the longest serving full-time Public Defender that my county has ever had.  I have spent the past 13 or so years as a member of PDAP.

PDAP has, in the past several years, grown by leaps and bounds under Sara’s leadership.  I am honored to have been part of the group that brought her to us.  Prior to her joining us, it felt like the association was going through the motions – satisfied with the role of young Oliver Twist, when approached by government entities and leaders timidly asserting “Please sir, I want some more.”  Now, however, years later our input is being asked for, sought out, on pieces of legislation and efforts to make change.  We have had our ups and downs, but now, we are at last being asked for legitimate input on matters – and seeing them have an impact.

Part of my regret about my departure from the Public Defenders Office is because of what PDAP has accomplished and the forward steps that have been taken.  While we are not given the prominent role that we deserve, we are gathering support.  Please, do not stop that push.  No longer are our efforts akin to those of Sisyphus, but instead are those of Odysseus seeking to get home.  We are now hopeful that progress will be made and that eventually we will see the needs of indigent defense fully recognized and satisfied.

Those that know me know that for many of my years with PDAP, I have railed against apathy and inaction, unfairness, and inequity – even amongst our own ranks.  I hope that the momentum that has built of these past several years continues to grow.  I regret that I will not be part of it.  The truth is, I just cannot do it anymore.  I went for a physical for a part-time swim coaching job (a passion of mine, the bonus is that they will pay you) to learn that my blood pressure was 152/90.  This was a hard reset for me.  Combined with the not too long-ago program that I did for newer chiefs of “PD Wellness and Burnout,” I had to really examine some things.  Shortly after that, I was approached with an opportunity, and after really chewing on it with my wife and a good friend from law school, I decided to accept a position with the Lebanon County District Attorney’s Office.  Yes, I fear I have betrayed PDAP and so much that I value.  However, this had to be a “me” decision – something I do not recall doing recently in my professional career.  I cannot do the nighttime jail visits, the planning vacations around court appearances, etc. any longer.

As I started to clean out my office that I remembered how much this job and PDAP have meant to me.  The struggles that we have shared and friendships made mean the world to me.  I am going to miss PDAP and especially Sara, Kim, Julia, Dave, Chris, and Carrie.  I will miss the committees, the leadership trainings, and the work to make public defense better.

So, tomorrow morning you will see my job listed.  I will see it too and it will be a little more real that I am leaving.  Please continue the fight, continue the journey.  Along the way, surround yourself with people that will support you, keep you grounded, tolerate you (angry Brian is tough to get along with sometimes).  With every moment or opportunity that is presented, act.  Apathy is what they will use to win.

Humbly, with profound thanks for ALL that you do, I remain, truly yours,

Brian

Brian L. Deiderick

Chief Public Defender

Lebanon County Public Defenders

400 South Eighth Street

Room 122

Lebanon, PA 17042

(717) 228-4421

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