Northampton County Court of Common Pleas Judge Emil Giordano took the oath of office Jan. 2 in Northampton County's historic courtroom No. 1.

Giordano, who begins his second, 10-year term on the county bench, was surrounded by family, friends, attorneys and public officials.

The event was billed as a retention ceremony by way of a past state statute, whereby sitting judges face no opponent on the ballot.

Such judges will only face opposition in a subsequent election if voters in the majority cast ballots against the retention of the judge.

In that case, the jurist must appear on the next ballot.

For Giordano, he opened his campaign for retention at the Northampton Memorial Community Center, the same place where he launched his initial campaign for judge 10 years ago.

Giordano, in his remarks, noted he campaigned in Northampton and North Catasauqua.

Giordano also mentioned former Northampton Councilman Joseph Leitgeb, who had passed away earlier.

The county court's judges were also present for the program.

Attired in a suit, seated with his family in the well of the courtroom, Giordano took off his suit jacket, and was "robed" with a black gown, by his court officer, Herb Goldfeder.

President Judge Stephen G. Baratta administered the oath of office to Giordano.

Baratta remarked on Giordano's successes on the bench, serving the public.

Giordano, who previously served as solicitor for the Borough of Northampton, attended numerous council meetings as legal counsel, said he treasured serving the borough and the public officials who sat on council.

He speaks yearly at the Colonel John Siegfried Elementary School in Northampton at its sixth-grade D.A.R.E. graduation exercise.

In remarks to the audience Thursday, Giordano recalled his first run for public office, seeking the office of district attorney as a Republican.

He told the audience he expected to lose the election to John Morganelli, District Attorney for Northampton County, after which Morganelli and Giordano exchanged smiles.

The retention ceremony began with the court crier beginning the ceremony.

Victoria Madison sang the national anthem.

Speakers included attorneys Joseph F. Leeson and Victor Scomillio.

Father Jason Stokes of Notre Dame Parish, Bethlehem, gave the invocation and benediction.