Doug Light Thanked For Service To The City
WARSAW — After serving the City of Warsaw with the Warsaw Police Department for 22 years, Corporal Doug Light is retiring effective tomorrow, Sept. 2. City employees took time to honor Light during the Warsaw Board of Works meeting held today, Sept. 1.
Light began his career with Warsaw Police Department in 1995 as a patrol officer. He graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy in 1996 as an honor graduate. He previously served on Warsaw Police Department’s Emergency Response Team and Aquatic Unit, where he was the Aquatic Unit’s commander. He has been assigned to Warsaw Community Schools for the past 11 years as both a certified School Resource Officer and D.A.R.E. Officer.
“It’s certainly been a privilege for you to serve us,” said Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. “You’ve impacted the kids in many, many ways.”
Light took a few moments to address the city employees. “I’ve had a great 22 years,” said Light. “I thank the city for everything they’ve done for me and my family. It’s a bittersweet moment that’s for sure.”
Board Member Jeff Grose also thanked Light for his service. “I really appreciate not only what you’ve done, but what you’ll continue to do for this community,” said Grose.
Warsaw Police Chief Scott Whitaker presented Light with a plaque honoring his service. “Corporal Doug Light has been instrumental in the continued success of WPD’s Aquatics Unit and D.A.R.E. program. Light played a significant role in the improvement of our D.A.R.E. program, taking the program to new heights with the improvements in our D.A.R.E. graduations,” said Whitaker.
“Doug and I have been co-workers for the past 20 years, but our friendship goes back much further,” continued Whitaker. “We were classmates and teammates at Warsaw Community High School. I have many fond memories working with Light, serving the community I know he cares deeply for. However, my most enjoyable memory of Light is when he ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown against Tippecanoe Valley High School in the 1990 season opening game. Doug was a great teammate both in high school and in our chosen profession. We wish him success in his future endeavors.”
Coworkers, friends and family were present during the meeting. Light took a moment to individually thank his mother Cindy, father Joel and wife Stacie.
After his retirement, Light will be switching roles as he takes on the job of Transportation Director at Warsaw Community School Corporation.