From left, WPD Chief Scott Whitaker, Mason’s mother, Lisa Metzinger, Mason Metzinger, Mason’s fiancee, Madison Charlton, Mason’s stepmother, Julie Metzinger, Mason’s father, Tony Metzinger and Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. InkFreeNews photos by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Two Warsaw Police officers were sworn in at the city of Warsaw Board of Public Works & Safety meeting Friday, May 21.

Mason Metzinger and Paige Wood took the oath of office at the beginning of the meeting, being sworn in by Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer. 

Paige Wood signs the oath of office paperwork.

In addition, Metzinger was presented with a plaque by WPD Chief Scott Whitaker for being awarded the coveted Lt. Andy Anderson Firearms Proficiency Award during his time at the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy.

Metzinger is a Warsaw Community High School graduate. He attended Ivy Tech Community College where he received an Associates of Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Prior to being hired by WPD, Metzinger worked for Securitas. Metzinger previously worked as a reserve officer for the Kosciusko County Sheriff’s Office.

Wood is also a Warsaw Community High School graduate. She attended Indiana Wesleyan University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education. Prior to being hired by WPD, Wood was employed with Warsaw Community Schools, working as an elementary teacher at Washington Elementary School.

“It’s always a privilege to be able to do that,” Mayor Thallemer said after the oath of office was administered to Metzinger and Wood. “Those individuals have worked hard in their field training, they’ve worked hard at the law enforcement academy. They’ve shown their commitment to the community and it’s just an honor to be able to officially welcome them into our profession representing our city and our community in a somewhat difficult time for law enforcement across the land so having that quality of individual is certainly gratifying to us and testimony to the types of individuals we’ve been able to put in position.”

Metzinger and Woods graduated from the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy April 8 and were hired as probationary patrol officers at the Warsaw Police Department May 17, 2020.

Metzinger was presented with a plaque by WPD Chief Scott Whitaker for being awarded the Lt. Andy Anderson Firearms Proficiency Award.

Pictured are Will Brandt, Cheryl Brandt, Carol Wood, Ron Wood, Paula Wood, Terry Wood, Paige Wood, Robyn Rauen, Greg Rauen, Megan Wood, with Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer and WPD Chief Scott Whitaker (back row).