MARQUETTE -- Former Marquette County Prosecutor, Gary Walker, has been honored for his many years of service by the State of Michigan.

Walker started out as an assistant prosecutor in 1972; two years later he was voted in as full-time prosecutor.  He held the position for nearly 38 years, the longest tenure in Michigan history.

"I have been very fortunate, I have done something that I wanted to do, I have done it for a very long time.  I have always told people when I've spoken in public that I'm honored that the citizens of Marquette entrusted me with that position for that length of time," said Walker.

He said that his retirement in December of 2011 was voluntary and bittersweet.  Though he is retired now, Walker plans to continue his public service as he runs for Chocolay Township Supervisor in November.