Thanking him for his work in the city, the Albert Lea City Council honored City Attorney Steve Schwab Monday during his last council meeting before becoming a new Freeborn County District Court judge.

At the close of the meeting, Albert Lea Mayor Randy Erdman presented Schwab with a plaque of recognition on behalf of the council, city staff and the citizens of Albert Lea.

“Not many people spend 19 years with the city,” Albert Lea Mayor Randy Erdman said.

Schwab started his work as city attorney on Jan. 3, 1989. His last day will be Thursday.

Friday at the Freeborn County Government Center, he will be sworn in as a new 3rd Judicial District Court judge during a ceremony at 1:30 p.m. He replaces Judge James E. Broberg, who retired April 29.

“It’s no small thing for this to happen,” Erdman said. “This was a lifelong dream of Mr. Schwab.”

Schwab said since he became city attorney in 1989 there have been 472 council meetings. Out of all of those meetings, he only missed two.

“It’s been a privilege and an honor to work for the city of Albert Lea,” he said.

Though he will be going to the bench shortly, he wanted to reassure everyone that he’s willing to come back and assist whoever is granted the position after him.

“I look forward to seeing all of you — hopefully not in my courtroom,” he joked.