Longtime Kalispell attorney Eric Hummel received a new work uniform on Friday as he was sworn in as Flathead County’s newest justice of the peace.

Hummel’s wife, Krista Kochivar, robed Hummel for the first time in traditional garb after he was sworn in by retired Flathead District Judge Ted O. Lympus.

“I’m really excited by this new part of my life,” Hummel said after the ceremony. “I’m committed to hearing and resolving disputes in a fair and timely manner.”

Hummel thanked his wife for many years of support, his parents for helping him throughout his life and to obtain an outstanding education at the University of Montana, and his first mentor late Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean A. Turnage.

He said he is looking forward to working with the many people who make up Flathead County’s judicial system.

Hummel is filling the vacancy left as Dan Wilson was sworn in as Flathead District Court Judge. Wilson served six years on the county justice court and won the November election for district judge.

Former Flathead District Judge Katherine Curtis told a crowd packed into the Flathead County Justice Center that she believed Wilson would be a good addition to the bench.

“I know that Dan has earned a reputation as a fair, honorable, and probably most importantly, a hard-working judge,” Curtis said.

Wilson said he was appreciative of the opportunity to serve.

“Today, I am the honored Dan Wilson, because I am standing among a group of judges that I believe are among the best in the state,” Wilson said.

He said that the primary purpose of court “is not wins or losses, but to uphold the law.”

Wilson said he regarded the court as a special place where people make “sure the law is scrupulously followed and the Constitution respected.”

Also sworn in at the ceremonies on Friday were Flathead District Judge Amy Eddy, Flathead County Commissioner Pamela Holmquist, and Flathead District Clerk Peg Allison.

Reporter Megan Strickland can be reached at 758-4459 or mstrickland@dailyinterlake.com.