It seemed like the whole Miami-Dade courthouse came to celebrate the retirement of its most beloved bailiff, Wayne Fischer.

For more than 39 years, Fischer ran his courts with compassion and efficiency, said the attorneys, judges, clerks, friends and fellow bailiffs who came to celebrate his remarkable career.

Fischer graciously accepted awards, recognition and a round of “for he’s a jolly good fellow,” standing behind a photograph of Judge Mattie Belle Davis, the first judge of 38 judges he worked with.

Judge Arthur Rothenberg worked with Fischer for seven years and said that his ability to play many roles beyond his duties as bailiff made him an “invaluable” part of the court.

“He’s strong when he has to be strong, to quell potentially explosive situations,” Rothenberg said, “and he’s compassionate when he has to be compassionate.”

Everyone present had the wonderful things to say about the bailiff, describing him as helpful and smart, but also “eternally wry.”

What was Fischer planning to do in retirement?

“Well, I’ll be trying to stay out of trouble,” he said.