A farewell for his retirement in the Trujillo court and with two medals

It will not be easy for Francisco Manuel Benito Sánchez, better known as Benito, to forget the first week of March. His eyes still shine when he talks about the signs of affection received during those days, after 37 years as an official in the Court Number 1 of Trujillo. “He has been impressive and exciting,” he recalls.

Although he retired on January 14, the covid has caused the recognition for his career not to arrive until now. On March 1, she received the decoration or medal of the Order of San Raimundo de Peñafort, as a member of the Procedural and Administrative Management Corps, for her contribution to the development of Law. It took place in an act in Cáceres, presided over by the Secretary of State for Justice, Tontxu Rodríguez, as well as by the president of the Superior Court of Justice in Extremadura (TSJEx), María Félix Tena, and the president of the Board, Guillermo Fernández Vara, among others.

Already, in 2019, the procedures to request this recognition from the Ministry itself began, without Benito himself knowing. It was promoted by the judicial secretary at that time, Gema Ruano, supported by Judge María Dolores Guerra Maestre. In addition to the petition, the proposal was endorsed by numerous signatures, which came from different professionals from the world of Justice. The notification of this award arrived in January 2020 and a few days ago, finally, it could be delivered.

Lunch with 68 people

This formal act has arrived almost at the same time as the emotional tribute, in the form of a farewell, offered by numerous colleagues. It took place a few days ago with a meal with 68 people, in which current and former workers of the Trujillo courts were present, as well as judges, some of them from outside the region, as well as lawyers and attorneys, as well as other colleagues. . His two daughters and his wife were not lacking.

The emotion, even the tears, were very present. Benito received, as a souvenir, a watch and a pen. In addition, as the delivery of the decoration from the Ministry was delayed, his companions had already bought him another medal of Saint Raimundo de Peñafort, which they gave it to him at that meal. Judge Guerra Maestre, who is the one with whom he has spent the most time, assured him that one was because of his professional career and the one received at the meal, because of “his personality and his humanity.” The protagonist had words of gratitude for the affection received. He also remembered his oldest companions, as well as some already deceased and his family. This official, with a privileged memory and great order, asserts that the best thing about this long professional career has been the family atmosphere created, with all the workers. An example of this is that, for 30 years, in January or February, he has brought crumbs to the two courts. In fact, his and his former teammates have asked him not to miss this appointment next year. “I’ll keep wearing them,” he says.

the beginning

Benito Sánchez, a native of Huertas de Ánimas, began his professional career linked to Justice almost by chance. He was encouraged by a cousin to present himself to some oppositions, as a judicial agent. Antonio Risco prepared them both. He approved on April 8, 1981. It was not until December that he took office in Mérida. From there he went to Almendralejo. Later he managed to become a Justice official, or what he is today a procedural manager, and joined Jarandilla de la Vera. When there was a vacant position in Trujillo, he joined the court number 1 of the city of Trujillo in January 1985. He has been dedicated, above all, to civil matters, except for a time when he was in the criminal part. While working, he got his law degree. He had the support of now attorney Juan Carlos Avís, who was also studying for a degree.

Now, he enjoys his family and, above all, his grandson, who has been one of the main causes of his retirement. Although he has always liked his work, he admits that he was already a bit tired. He does not miss his appointment every day with long walks. He is also a regular reader. He combines these hobbies with attention to his mother and taking care of the little one in the house. He is also a catechist. “I don’t stop,” he adds.