Daniel Kitchen takes the oath of office as District Associate Judge, photographed with his wife Nicole Kitchen and District Court Judge Lucy Gamon. Photo by Sam McIntosh.

Community members, family, and fellow judges filled the Washington County District Courtroom to witness the swearing in of the new Sub-District 8A District Associate Judge.

Daniel Kitchen of Washington took the oath of office Friday at the investiture proceedings. Iowa Court of Appeals Judge Michael Mullins and Chief Judge Mary Ann Brown served as guest speakers.

Kitchen gave remarks on his appointment as judge, “I’m excited to have the honor and opportunity to serve our state and our community. The trust that is placed in judges by our system is profound. I look forward to working with all of you to provide justice and to fulfill society’s most important duty.”

Kitchen will serve Washington, Jefferson, and Keokuk Counties. Kitchen is only the third judge to serve this position, following District Court Judge Crystal Cronk and District Court Judge Lucy Gamon. Kitchen previously served as Washington County Judicial Magistrate, and opened a solo law practice in 2009.