FAIRMONT – “It is certainly a great honor,” said newly appointed Fifth Judicial District Court Judge Michael Trushenski. “I feel blessed to be able to serve not only the citizens of Martin County, but all citizens of the fifth district.”

Originally taking the oath Jan. 4 so he could begin work right away, Trushenski was sworn in by his predecessor, Senior Judge Robert Walker, at a ceremony Friday afternoon at the Martin County Courthouse in Fairmont.

When Walker announced his retirement in October, Trushenski took the opportunity to make his mark on Martin County and the Fifth District by applying for the vacant position. All of the applications were sent to the State of Minnesota Judicial Selection Committee, and the committee selected Trushenski for an interview. Based on the interviews, the selection committee then chose three candidates to interview with Gov. Mark Dayton, who appointed Trushenski to the bench.

At the ceremony Friday, Walker welcomed everyone to the event.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming today. It is an important judicial event for Martin County,” he said. “Mike is going to work hard, do his homework and be well-prepared.”

To Trushenski, Walker said, in part, “It has been a pleasure to watch you in your practice. To watch you grow. To watch you learn.”

Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Lorie Gildea was in attendance to welcome Trushenski into the judiciary system.

“We are grateful to Mike for giving up his law practice to join our judicial family,” she said. “We are so grateful to all of you for coming to celebrate with us today. Congratulations to Fairmont and Martin County. It’s a great day.”

To present Trushenski as the new Fifth Judicial District Court judge, his college roommate, 10th Judicial District Court Judge Geoff Tenney, was introduced.

“It is not an exaggeration to say he is likely one of the most intelligent and modest individuals I know,” Tenney said of Trushenski. “He is fair, honest and of outstanding character, and has the demeanor to ensure that litigants are treated fairly, no matter the outcome of the case.”

In his remarks, Trushenski had many thanks to convey to those who crowded the courtroom for the special event.

“This is such a great honor,” he said. “I thank everyone for being here today. I look forward to working with this bar from the bench, as I have learned so much from them. I also want to thank Judge Walker for being a great mentor.”

Trushenski gave special thanks to his family, especially his parents and wife, Jennifer.

“She has had more faith in me than I have ever had in myself,” he said.

“It is my intention to work hard and do my very best to serve you,” he added at the close of the ceremony. “Everyone deserves justice, and I will strive to make sure that happens.”

Trushenski grew up in Ramsey, a northern suburb of the Twin Cities, and graduated from Anoka High School. He completed his college undergraduate studies at the University of Minnesota-Duluth, with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history.

“When I started college, I wasn’t entirely sure what I wanted to do,” Trushenski said. “I have always enjoyed public speaking – talking with and listening to others – and that is what originally drew me into the study of law.”

He obtained his law degree at the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, returning to Minnesota to work in Sibley County as a law clerk. In 1998, Trushenski moved to Fairmont and began working at the Viesselman and Barke law firm, and as assistant county attorney.

Trushenski noted that although he takes his professional career seriously, it doesn’t take away from the things he enjoys in his personal life.

“Like many people, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and staying physically fit by running,” he said. “I also like to read, enjoy watching movies, and traveling.”

He states he has an easy-going disposition, and will bring that to the bench.

“Some of the same qualities that reflect who I am as a person – I will bring those qualities in as a judge. In every case, I will strive to be firm but fair,” Trushenski said. “I will listen to what individuals have to say and not bring in any preconceived notions, taking each case as it comes – to deal with each individual case based solely on the facts of that particular case, and without bias.”

When asked about his qualifications, Trushenski pointed to his background and disposition.

“I have worked in the Fairmont and Martin County area for the past 18 years,” he said. “I have a lot of experience in both criminal and family law, and those are the types of cases that most often come before you as a judge. I have a good demeanor. I believe I am fair, always willing to listen, and dedicated to public service. I think that dedication came through during the interview process.”

Trushenski credits much of his success to advice from others.

“Over the years, I have had a lot of people give me great advice – family and friends, fellow attorneys and other colleagues – to have confidence in myself, to work hard and to always treat people with respect. Those three things – that is what I have always tried to do,” he said.

“In my capacity as a district court judge, I hope to be able to serve the citizens of the fifth district by being a good judge,” Trushenski said of what he would like to accomplish as a personal career goal. “I will endeavor to be a good steward of our judicial system.”