An appreciation for a selfless judge

He always had a police radio by his side and I often saw him leave his office or interrupt a meal to rush to help someone. As an attorney, his street-smarts helped his clients. As a judge, he brought honor and compassion to the bench — sometimes suggesting that a defendant ride with him, not just because the judge knew they’d find it fun, but, more important, they would learn that being reckless could have severe consequences. As a teacher and mentor, he set a wonderful example by working hard and showing kindness to others.

I met Judge Kaplan in 1975 shortly after I started law school. Judge Kaplan soon invited me to visit him at the Atlanta Municipal Court, to have dinner at his house, and to go on “rides” around the city. I was able to quickly see how much he loved people, to help them, and to serve his community.

He was a friend to law enforcement officers and agents, the Atlanta Fire Department and countless emergency medical technicians who sought his emergency care expertise.

He trained countless and administered aid to countless others too. Judge Kaplan was never affected by the important people he met. He met several presidents and world leaders and he participated in the making of history, whether at the Olympics in Atlanta, the G-8 Summit of world leaders in Sea Island, a national political convention.

I was always impressed that the judge was always so modest and down to earth. Wherever I would go with him, people would recognize him — “Hi judge,” “Hi Rescue 10” (his name on the police radio) or “Hi Arthur.” Judge Kaplan too would always politely recognize others and show appreciation, whether a cleaning person or guard in his office building, someone on the street or anywhere else he went.

What made Judge Kaplan extraordinary is he did his rescue work as a volunteer, seven days a week. His devotion was so great that “vacation” wasn’t part of his vocabulary. He didn’t want to be away if anything happened.

Judge Kaplan was a wonderful friend, who could listen to others, to bring the best out of people and to give them comfort. As his law clerk, I saw people come up to Judge Kaplan to thank him for one kindness or another. He could be fun as well and enjoyed a Varsity hot dog and F.O. with someone he knew!

His terrific wife, children and grandchildren were gracious in sharing the judge with others. I know that one of their toughest moments was when they had to take away his car keys and gun because age caught up with him.

While I left Atlanta in 1981 because of my career, the six years I spent in Atlanta were among my most memorable — because of Judge Kaplan. He helped so many of us become better people and to be enriched by his friendship — a friendship that has continued 28 years after I stopped my frequent “rides” with “Rescue 10.”

As the late Sen. Ted Kennedy said about his brother Bobby, Arthur Kaplan need not be idealized or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life. He was a good and decent man, who was able to achieve greatness in his pursuit of helping others. Judge Kaplan was a wonderful American who should always be blessed.

Noal Solomon is vice president of real estate for Staples Inc. in Wayne, N.J.