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

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.

“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.

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."