Last week, the United States District Court in Utica welcomed 50 individuals from 27 nations as they were sworn in as American citizens.

Judge David N. Hurd presided over the naturalization ceremony. As he has done dozens if not hundreds of times during his distinguished career on the bench, Hurd warmly welcoming the individuals, their families and friends before utilizing the honor bestowed upon him to present them with their citizenship.

It is undoubtedly a joyous occasion for these new citizens. It is also one for Hurd, 85, who has repeatedly expressed it is one of his favorite parts of his job.

“This is your day. It’s a great day for you, each and every one of you, but it’s also a great day for the United States of America to have each hand and every one of you joining us,” Hurd said during Thursday’s ceremony. “I am so honored to be able to do this with you. I became a citizen when I was born. ... I have no idea what you all have gone through to come here today, but I admire each and every one of you.”

Those who know Hurd personally or professionally know that statement isn’t idle chatter. Hurd, though unfailingly polite, calls them exactly as he sees them. Which is why, Hurd still sits on the bench in the Alexander Pirnie Federal Building in Utica.

The U.S. District Court Northern Division of New York is divided into five civil case filing divisions. Oneida, Lewis, Herkimer, Otsego and Hamilton counties are located in the Utica Filing Division. Last year, Hurd announced his intention to retire. However, fears of his replacement living outside of the area prompted Hurd to pull the notice.

Hurd received his bachelor of science degree from Cornell University in 1959, after transferring from Syracuse University.

However, Hurd returned to Syracuse to receive his juris doctor degree from the S.U. College of Law and graduate cum laude, Order of the Coif, in 1963.

He married Connie Lehman in 1962, and the couple moved to Rome in 1969, where they continue to live in the same house.

From 1963 to 1991, Hurd served as a criminal and civil trial lawyer, during which he became a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. He served as a magistrate judge from 1991-99 for the Northern District of New York, and became a U.S. District judge in 1999, where he remains on the bench today.

Female athletes across the nation often hail a 1992 decision by Hurd which directed Colgate University to give varsity status to the Women’s Ice Hockey Club team, pursuant of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972.

For more than 30 years, that ruling has helped opened doors for women, much like the naturalization ceremonies Hurd joyfully oversees help open doors for those who seek new lives and opportunities as Americans.

As last week’s ceremony concluded, Hurd left the new citizens with the same parting words he tells all new American citizens at the naturalization ceremonies he presides over, “Don’t let anybody ever tell you that you are any less [of a] citizen than anyone else. As I said before, I became a citizen the moment I was born. You worked hard for it. You are the equal, or more than equal of any other citizen, so don’t let anybody say anything against you being a naturalized citizen. That is a great honor and you should be very, very proud of it.”

Hurd is quite simply a local treasure, and we are proud of his continued service on the bench.