Pictured in front from left are Jocelyn Whitaker, Tessa Graney and Avery Landwerlen. In back are Rylee Burns, Graham Landwerlen, Blake Burns, Officer Joe Hawn, Michael Ray and Lucy Ray. Hawn will finish out the year as DARE officer for Warsaw Community Schools. (Photos by Amanda McFarland)

WARSAW — A steady stream of well-wishers lined up at the Warsaw Police Department Friday afternoon, April 15, to bid an unofficial farewell to Officer Joe Hawn.

After 27 years, Hawn is retiring, or rather transitioning, from his position with WPD to serve as the town marshal for Winona Lake.

“I’ve always loved the Warsaw community,” Hawn said of Warsaw, noting that he will especially miss “the guys” at WPD and the students at Warsaw Community Schools, where he will finish out the year as DARE officer.

As far as Winona Lake, Hawn looks forward to serving in his new role.

“Winona Lake is a beautiful community,” he said. “The community is amazing, the people are amazing. I’ve been there a week and it’s just going to be a good transition.”