Surrounded by family, friends, and members of the legal community, Brian Quattrocchi was sworn in Monday afternoon as Daviess County’s newest District Judge. One week earlier, Bryce Caldwell was sworn in as Circuit Judge and quickly began taking on judicial responsibilities.
Quattrocchi’s ceremony was both emotional and heartfelt, as he reflected on his personal journey and pledged to serve with fairness, compassion, and integrity.
Quattarocchi, a longtime prosecutor with the Daviess County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, was appointed last month by Gov. Andy Beshear to fill the seat vacated by Judge David Payne, who recently won a special election to become a Circuit Judge. The appointment followed a thorough process by the Judicial Nominating Commission and Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra H. Lambert.
“This role is a profound responsibility,” Quattrocchi said Monday. “One that I pledge to carry out with integrity, fairness, and compassion.”
He thanked local law enforcement, courthouse staff, his fellow judges, and many mentors who have shaped his career. He also became visibly emotional when speaking about his mother, who raised him and his brothers as a single parent and joined the ceremony via Zoom.
“Mom, you’ve done an amazing job,” he said. “Thank you for instilling in me the value of being kind and compassionate, especially to those in need. I’ll continue to try and make you proud every day on that bench.”
Quattrocchi also shared words of appreciation for his wife, Jamie, and their children, to whom he offered a few pieces of life advice.
“Hard work truly does pay off. How you treat other people matters,” he said. “And don’t be afraid to dream — big things can happen.”
Quattrocchi has served the public for 29 years, including nearly 17 as a prosecutor. Before entering law, he worked for more than a decade as a social worker and guardian ad litem. He said those experiences deeply influence his approach to justice.
Also beginning his judicial service is Bryce Caldwell, who was recently sworn in as Circuit Judge for Daviess County’s 6th Judicial Circuit. Read more about Caldwell’s appointment here.
Caldwell was a partner at Gordon, Goetz, Johnson & Caldwell and a practicing attorney for more than a decade.
“It’s been very challenging, but very fun. The staff at the courthouse and everyone in the Bar Association have been very supportive,” he said.
Though his formal ceremonial swearing-in will be held in the coming weeks, Caldwell said he is already hard at work and grateful for the opportunity.
Quattrocchi will serve in District Court through the next election in November 2026, while Caldwell will do the same in Circuit Court. Both say they intend to run to retain their seats.
