News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Judge Thomas LaCross, left, and his brother in-law Mike Copper give each other the judicial oath at 88th District Court Sunday. They said being able to swear each other in was a thrill and doing it with lots of family in attendance adds to their Christmas holiday.

ALPENA — A pair of northern Michigan judges took their judicial oath Sunday in the 88th District Court in Alpena, surrounded by family.

Thomas LaCross, 88th District Court, and his brother-in law Michael Cooper, 87th District Court swore each other in after winning elections in November. Cooper, who is slightly older and has been a judge longer than LaCross made the trip from Gaylord with his loved ones and to celebrate another term for his brother-in -law.

LaCross said it is an honor to have Cooper read him his oath, not only because he is family, but also because of the respect he has for him. He said when he was debating running for Probate Judge he sought advice from Cooper before filing and he explained why he believed LaCross needed to try to win the election.

“I told him he had to do it because it was important he did,” Cooper said. “I knew if he won it would be good for him and great for the community, but also because even if he lost he had tried and wouldn’t go the rest of his life regretting not doing it.”

LaCross said the two judges have a close relationship and often pick each other’s brain and talk shop. He said during family gatherings the two men pledge to not talk about their work, but typically that promise falls by the wayside.

“We always say we’re not going to talk about cases or law, but we just can’t help it and always do,” LaCross said. “Much to the chagrin of our wives.”

After the oaths were complete, some members of the family addressed the two judges they call husband, dad, grandpa and friend. Some quoted scripture and expressed thanks for the roles they play in people’s lives outside of their own families.

Cooper said being able to swear in his brother-in law only days before Christmas was an honor and LaCross agreed.

“It is very special be me, as I hope it is for him,” he said. “I think this is consistent with the season because it is a gift and how season is about gift giving. God gave us the gift of Jesus and we are given the gift of being judges and being able to serve our fellow citizens in this way. It is a further gift because we’re brother in- laws and family. To be able to swear each other in is a very unique gift we are able to share.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpeanews.com.