Rene Cruz gets help donning his judicial robes from his parents Florencio and Celia Thursday before being sworn in as a 16th Judicial Circuit Associate Judge Thursday in St. Charles. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Judge John Barsanti raises his hand as he swears his oath of office with 16th Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Judith Brawka Thursday at the Kane County Branch courtroom in St. Charles. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Judge John Dalton swears his oath of office with Judge F. Keith Brown Thursday at the Kane County Branch courtroom in St. Charles. Dalton is assisted by his husband Rich Jacobs. He is the first openly gay judge in Kane County. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Judge Rene Cruz swears his oath of office as his mother Celia holds a bible Thursday Thursday at the 16th Circuit branch court in St. Charles. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Judge John Dalton swears his oath of office with Judge F. Keith Brown Thursday at the Kane County Branch courtroom in St. Charles. Dalton is assisted by his husband Rich Jacobs. He is the first openly gay judge in Kane County. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Newly sworn Associate Judge John Dalton speaks as his colleagues look on Thursday during ceremonies at the Kane County Branch courtroom in St. Charles. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Judge Rene Cruz shows a piece of paper announcing his birth that he carries with him Thursday after his swearing-in ceremony in St. Charles. His father Florencio was given the announcement while serving in the Vietnam War. The younger Cruz says he carries the paper to remind him of the sacrifices his parents made for him. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media

Judge John Barsanti visits Thursday after swearing-in ceremonies at the Kane County Branch courtroom in St. Charles. Mary Beth Nolan~For Sun-Times Media