Judge Rocky Coss receives oath of office from Ohio Supreme Court chief justice

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor administered the oath of office to Highland County Common Pleas Court Judge Rocky Coss Thursday afternoon in front of Coss' family, friends and coworkers.

Judge Coss was re-elected to a second six-year term in the November general election, with the new term set to begin Feb. 9. Coss was appointed to the office effective Aug. 25, 2008 and was elected to a six-year term in November of 2008.

Prior to becoming judge, Coss served as the Highland County Prosecuting Attorney for 24 years and engaged in private practice of law for over 32 years.

Former law partner and fellow Judge Kevin Greer of Highland County Common Pleas Court's Juvenile and Probate Division opened the ceremony by introducing Judge Coss.

"We worked together for 16 years, both as partners at the firm of Coss and Greer, and he also allowed me to be assistant prosecutor during those years," Judge Greer said. "I'm very thankful to Rocky for allowing me to do that. We had a lot of fun, and I learned a lot. It was definitely great training for the career I've had."

Judge Greer also provided an overview of Chief Justice O'Connor's impressive career that includes serving as probate court magistrate, common pleas court judge, prosecutor, lieutenant governor and finally Ohio Supreme Court judge and chief justice.

Greer also noted that O'Connor was re-elected as Supreme Court judge and elected chief justice "in a landslide, incredibly winning all 88 counties," before turning over the ceremony to the chief justice.

Chief Justice O'Connor discussed the magnitude of the judicial oath of office, but not before complimenting Highland County and its historic courthouse.

"I'm honored to return to Highland County," Chief Justice O'Connor said. "The Supreme Court came here in October of 2011, where we had a wonderful experience.

"It's gratifying to see that this 181-year-old hall of justice continues to age gracefully. You should be proud of the history here and the fact that it's so well-preserved."

O'Connor congratulated Coss on being reelected for a second term but noted that "winning is only the first step in your success."

"As a dedicated public servant who answers to the rule of law, you are charged with a solemn duty to issue decisions, both fairly and impartially," Chief Justice O'Connor said. "The oath pledges precise conduct, both on and off the bench, and these are not merely words. Taking an oath – the swearing-in, as it's called – is more than just a perfunctory quaint ceremonial custom. It is not to be taken lightly and has some real significance."

O'Connor said her advice for judges is "take what you do very seriously."

"You are in a position of trust, one that focuses on duty to the litigants before you and this court," Chief Justice O'Connor said. "The stakes are high, and the expectations are great. Having said that, don't take yourself too seriously. You have to keep a sense of humor, no matter what job you have, and the judiciary is no exception.

"And, of course, don't forget to build time in for your family, your community, your spiritual growth and yourself. You'll be a better judge, but more importantly, you will be a better human being for having done that."

The chief justice also shared a quote from President George Washington: "The due administration of justice is the firmest pillar of good government."

"I firmly believe that," O'Connor said. "As the face of the court system for county residents, you play such an important role in shaping their outlook on our judicial system. Thank you for your efforts to further the cause of justice."

Coss invited his wife, Gayle; daughter, Tracey Coss; and grandsons Skylar Murphy and RJ Collard to stand with him as he took the oath of office. Members of the Common Pleas Court office staff, along with Judge Greer and Municipal Court Judge David McKenna, also stood behind Coss for the swearing-in ceremony.

Following his oath of office, Coss thanked O'Connor for administering the ceremony.

"It was a privilege for us to have you down here again to be with us in the oldest courthouse in Ohio in continuous use, as you acknowledged," Coss said.

Coss thanked his wife Gayle, whom he jokingly called "long-suffering," and proudly introduced and thanked his daughter Tracey, a registered nurse, and grandsons Skylar and RJ, both of whom are high school seniors with plans to start college in the fall.

Coss also named each member of his staff and praised each one individually for their accomplishments and contributions to the office. The court staff includes magistrate Cynthia Williams; longtime office administrator Marsha Oyer, whom Coss called "assistant judge"; administrative assistant Denise Hufford; bailiff Dan Music; jury clerk Sandy Behm; and retired administrative assistant Louellen Keith, who assists the office as needed.

"I'm very proud to have the same staff I started with, which I think is a very good indication that we're a team and we work well together," Coss said.

Coss thanked Judges Greer and McKenna, along with Judges Richard Davis (ret.) and Robert Judkins, who were unable to attend. He also recognized the absence of his longtime friend, the late Judge Robert McMullen.

Coss also expressed his gratitude to many of those in attendance who helped him throughout his career: campaign treasurer Dr. Robert Sharp; Cliff and Rita Wilson, whom Coss said "have worked as hard as anybody on our team to get us elected;" longtime employee and friend Jacquie Barrera, along with her husband, Sheriff Donnie Barrera; and Dinah and Jim Phillips, who have also assisted with campaigning and have supported Coss throughout his law career.

Local attorneys including Highland County Prosecutor Anneka Collins and members of her office were also in attendance. Coss thanked the attorneys for attending and recognized several other public officials in attendance, including commissioners Jeff Duncan and Shane Wilkin, county auditor Bill Fawley and clerk of courts Ike Hodson.