Former state Sen. Peter Barnes III was sworn in as Middlesex County's newest Superior Court judge on Thursday.
NEW BRUNSWICK -- Former state Sen. Peter Barnes III is looking forward to tackling the next phase of his life and career -- a Middlesex County Superior Court judge.
Never the type to retire, Barnes, 60, had already spent 12 years on the Edison Township Council, 10 years in the state legislature, and 30 years as a lawyer.
And on Thursday, in front of a packed crowd of top state officials, former New Jersey governor James Florio, family, friends and nearly every judge in the county, Barnes put on his black robe to become the county's newest Superior Court judge.
"I am very fortunate that I have this opportunity in this later stage of my life to do something different," he said in a telephone interview after the ceremony.
Barnes, who had also once served as a state assemblyman, vacated his state Senate seat in April after being nominated to his judgeship by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
After the ceremony, Barnes said he was truly grateful to everyone who attended. He said he was excited to being his new role as a Middlesex County Superior Court Judge.
He said he was impressed that nearly every judge from the county was in attendance.
During the ceremony, Barnes had his family by his side as he took the oath of office, which was administered by Robert A. Longhi, a retired Middlesex County Superior Court judge.
After the oath, Barnes and Longhi shook hands and smiled.
Several top officials spoke in front of the packed crowd and spoke highly of the former state senator.
"We really are going to miss you in the Senate," said state Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D-Gloucester), who spoke at the ceremony. "But the justice system really gets a bump up."
Barnett Hoffman, a retired Middlesex County Superior Court judge who assisted Barnes in putting on his robe in front of attendees, also said a few words, and even landed a joke that made the crowd laugh.
"I'm very happy," Hoffman said, "probably as happy as Pat Diegnan," he added, referring to the former assemblyman who was recently appointed to fill Barnes' vacant state Senate seat.
The laughed including Diegnan, who was sitting in the back.
Barnes will begin his role on Monday. He had been in training, shadowing judges, learning the ropes, and studying textbooks. He will be practicing civil court for a short time, and then primarily family court.
Spencer Kent may be reached at skent@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @SpencerMKent. Find the Find NJ.com on Facebook.