The Annual Suffolk County Bar Association (SCBA) Judicial Swearing-In and Robing Ceremony was held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Touro Law Center in Central Islip. The ceremony was a formal induction of the newly elected and newly appointed Suffolk County Supreme Court Justices, Court of Claims Judge, and District Court Judges, who were welcomed with an incredible show of support from their colleagues, family, and friends.
The ceremony began with the Honorable Andrew A. Crecca, J.S.C, District Administrative Judge, leading the procession of Judges through the auditorium and into their seats at the front. Following the procession, Chief David Santiago led the audience in The Pledge of Allegiance and Officer Denise Ynoa sang a beautiful rendition of the Star-Spangled Banner.
Cornell V. Bouse, SCBA President, welcomed the distinguished members of the Judiciary, family and friends who are attending, and spoke movingly about what a privilege it is for the SCBA to host this memorable and historic event each year, as well as congratulating the new Justices and Judges on their incredible accomplishment.
Next, the Honorable Derrick J. Robinson (Ret.) delivered a powerful Invocation concerning the difficulties these robed men and women are asked to confront on daily basis.
Then, the Honorable Andrew A. Crecca, J.S.C., District Administrative Judge, delivered the opening remarks reminding the Judges that this moment is a celebration of their accomplishment in their careers, and he is looking forward to what they will do on the Bench. Justice Crecca also presided over the ceremony.
The ceremony continued with thoughtful and kind words from each of the jurists’ sponsors, which were at times humorous, and at other times emotional. Following long-standing tradition, SCBA President Cornell V. Bouse then presented the new judges with a judicial robe, and those judges who were elevated were presented with a ceremonial gavel. The Justices and Judges then gave their thankful response.
Presented with their Judicial Robes: Honorable Alison J. Napolitano, newly elected Supreme Court Justice, who was sponsored by Hon. Joseph Santorelli; Honorable Aletha T. Fields, newly appointed Court of Claims Judge, who was sponsored by Hon. Edwina Richardson, Deputy Chief Administrative Judge, Office for Justice Initiatives; Honorable Anna Acquafredda, newly elected District Court Judge, who was sponsored by her husband Gregory Grizopoulos, Esq.; Honorable Susan A. Berland, newly appointed District Court Judge, who was sponsored by her husband Hon. Sanford Berland; Honorable Steven Weissbard, newly elected District Court Judge, who was sponsored by Hon. John Kelly, District Court Judge.
Presented with the Judicial Gavel: Honorable John J. Andrews, newly elected Supreme Court Justice, who was sponsored by his son Christopher Andrews; Honorable Maureen T. Liccione, newly appointed Supreme Court Justice, who was sponsored by her daughters, Elizabeth and Emily Lindahl.
The Oath of Office was administered by:
Presiding Justice Crecca administered the Oath of Office to the Supreme Court Justices: Hon. Alison J. Napolitano, Hon. John J. Andrews and Hon. Maureen T. Liccione; Hon. Richard E. Sise, Presiding Judge for the Court of Claims, administered the Oath of Office to the Court of Claims Judge, Hon. Aletha V. Fields; Hon. Madeline Singas, Associate Judge of the Court of Appeals, administered the Oath of Office to District Court Judge, Hon. Anna Acquafredda; Hon. Karen Kerr, Supervising Judge of the District Court, administered the Oath of Office to the District Court Judges: Hon. Susan A. Berland and Hon. Steven Weissbard.
As the new Suffolk County Supreme Court Justices, Court of Claims Judge, and District Court Judges were officially sworn in, the audience let out a roaring round of applause, and Justice Crecca extended his thanks to the SCBA for hosting this notable event, and his congratulations and best wishes to the newest members of the Judiciary.
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