England named family court judge

CHARLESTON -- Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin has announced the appointment of Beckley native and current Fayette County Assistant Prosecutor, Matthew Dean England, as Family Court Judge for the 14th Family Court Circuit serving Fayette County.

The Fayetteville resident will fill the judicial vacancy created by the retirement of The Honorable Janet Steele.

"The complex cases before our state's family court system require a judge who demonstrates compassion for children and families, while balancing strength in applying the laws that protect them," Tomblin said. "Because of his legal and police work experience, I believe Matthew will serve the people of Fayette County well as Family Court Judge."

England, an Assistant Prosecutor focusing on juvenile and criminal cases in the Fayette County Prosecutor's Office, has previously worked as a law enforcement officer in Raleigh County and the City of Beckley. England has also held leadership positions in both the law enforcement and legal communities, including his current position as president of the Fayette County Bar Association and as a member of the Lion's Club in Fayetteville.

England is a graduate of Mountain State University in Beckley and Appalachian School of Law in Grundy, Virginia. He is a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in Operation Desert Storm and Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti.

England is married to Lisa England. Together they have four children: Jacob Riley, Andrea, Rachel and London.