New judge sworn in for third district court

EPHRATA - Grant County has a new district court judge.

Tyson Hill, 33, of Moses Lake, was sworn in as the third district court judge in front of a packed court room Friday.

Friends, family and colleagues filled the court room seats and lined the walls to support Hill and witness his swearing in ceremony.

The ceremony kicked off with current district court judges Janis Whitener-Moberg and Richard Fitterer acknowledging and thanking several important figures for helping create the new judge position.

Justice Susan Owens, of the Washington State Supreme Court, administered the oath to Hill which outlined his duties as judge.

After Hill was sworn in and his parents helped him put on his robe, he gave a short speech to those in attendance.

"The real reason I wanted to be a judge was just to help make a different," he said. "I love this country. My parents taught me to love this country and the Constitution and I'm just glad I get to play even the smallest part in making sure the Constitution is respected here, in our community."

After Hill finished speaking, Fitterer let Hill know what he his job would be like and offered him some advice.

"Keep in mind the humanity of those in front of you," he said. "They're not necessarily bad people."

Fitterer also passed on 10 commandments given to him by Grant County Superior Court Judge Evan Sperline 19 years ago that he was instructed to give to the new judge.

The commandments included be kind, be patient and be dignified amongst others.

County Commissioner Richard Stevens expects Hill to begin his judicial duties in July or August in the renovated court room at the Moses Lake district court office on Wheeler Road.

Hill is scheduled to serve until the 2014 general election.