Massachusetts State Seal An official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Here's how you know

Official websites use .mass.gov

A .mass.gov website belongs to an official government organization in Massachusetts.

Secure websites use HTTPS

A lock icon or https:// means you've safely connected to the official website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Skip to main content
News

News  Nine-Year-Old Sworn in as "Probation Co-Commissioner for the Day" During National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week

Tairih King, a nine-year-old diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, was sworn in as "Co-Commissioner for the Day" for the Massachusetts Probation Service before his family and Probation employees in the Office of Probation Commissioner Pamerson Ifill.
7/23/2024
  • Massachusetts Probation Service

Media Contact

Coria Holland, Communications Director

Phone

Call Coria Holland, Communications Director at (617) 624-9319, CP: (617) 429-5629

Online

Email Coria Holland, Communications Director at coria.holland@jud.state.ma.us
Commissioner Ifill holds a folder open as Tairih King signs a paper

Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino administered the oath as Massachusetts Trial Court Chief Justice Heidi Brieger looked on. This ceremonial kick-off of National Pretrial, Probation, and Parole Supervision Week, Monday, July 22 - Friday, July 27.

Nine-year-old King has gone through several tough rounds of treatment at Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic.

Trial Court leaders pose with Tairih King and his family
From left to right: First Deputy Commissioner Dianne Fasano; Sean King, Tairih’s father; Kyanna King, Tairih’s mom; Taraj King, Tairih’s big brother; MPS Commissioner Pamerson Ifill; Chief Justice Heidi Brieger; and Court Administrator Thomas Ambrosino.

“We were elated to have Tairih, his brother, and parents join us for this ceremonial swearing in and he did such an amazing job. Tairih is a wonderful young man and we were happy to launch our first event recognizing him and having him serve as my Co-commissioner,” said Commissioner Ifill.

Dianne Fasano presents a t-shirt to Tairih King as Commissioner Ifill looks on.
First Deputy Commissioner Dianne Fasano presents Tairih with Probation t-shirt.

The theme of this year’s Probation Supervision Week is “Wellness Unveiled: Navigating the Journey.” The observance is set by the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA).

Massachusetts, which established the first Probation Service in the nation in 1878, celebrates National Probation Supervision Month.

During the swearing in ceremony, Tairih assisted Commissioner Ifill in signing key Probation policy. Commissioner Ifill and his Executive Team presented him with a Probation t-shirt and paraphernalia. He and his parents, Kyanna and Shawn King, and family were treated to lunch. Tairih attends Cabot Elementary in Newton as part of the METCO Program. The 9-year-old is also a member of Tony Richard’s “No Books, No Ball” basketball team where he is affectionately referred to as “Swaggi T."

Commissioner Ifill and Tairih King pose for a picture in front of a poster depicting the Massachusetts Trial Court seal.
MPS Commissioner Ifill (left) and Tairih King (right).

Media Contact

Phone

Call Coria Holland, Communications Director at (617) 624-9319, CP: (617) 429-5629

Online

Email Coria Holland, Communications Director at coria.holland@jud.state.ma.us

  • Massachusetts Probation Service

    MPS's main goal is to keep communities safe and to provide people on probation with the rehabilitative tools they need to live a productive and law-abiding life.

    • Help Us Improve Mass.gov  with your feedback

    Please do not include personal or contact information.
    Feedback