Marcie Southerland took her oath of office as county court judge Wednesday before a packed courtroom that included her family, supporters and city and county officials.

She capped off the ceremony by swearing in her son, Branan Southerland, as an assistant district attorney for the 9th Circuit District Attorney’s Office.

“It is an honor to serve,” she said after taking the oath from Circuit Judge M. James Chaney.

“It is a real privilege for me to stand here and be sworn in here as our next county court and youth court judge for Warren County, and without the support of every one of you in this community for the past 23, 25 years, I would not be here today.

“It all started on my personal journey and professional journey some 23 years ago, and even before that, when I was elected justice court judge. Here I stand today, and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I look forward to serving.”

Although her term officially began Wednesday, Southerland signed her papers and began serving as county and youth court judge during the weekend after County Judge John Price retired. She said the action was taken in case something involving a youth court matter occurred during the holiday period.

Southerland said after the ceremony she has already “put the wheels in motion on some things I want to accomplish.”

One of those is the adolescent drug court she promoted during her campaign for the bench.

“I think that will make a huge impact on our youth, families, and our community,” she said. “I have already scheduled a meeting with the state Administrative Office of Courts and intend to visit some of the youth courts that already have established the adolescent drug courts.”

She has also made some changes in administrative procedures involving handling cases in county and youth court.

She said swearing in her son as an assistant district attorney “a very awesome experience. I’m very proud of Branan. He has been in private practice and do a great job for our DA Ricky Smith and will do a great service to this community and the 9th district.”