New Washington officer sworn in

WASHINGTON — Colton Schneider took an oath and was named Washington’s newest police officer Monday morning, at a ceremony held in city hall.

Schneider said he was excited to start.

“I grew up around here, I know a lot of people, it’s just a great community to be in,” he said. “It’s an honor to become an officer here, and do my civic duty serving people.”

The anticipation holds despite a looming 16 weeks of academy training in Ames, which Schneider will begin May 1. He said he was at least a little nervous.

“It’s going to be experience, it’s going to be a lot of hard work,” he said. “It’ll be great to learn new things.”

Schneider has worked at the Washington County Jail since August of 2017. Washington Police Chief Jim Lester said the enforcement-adjacent position made him a valuable addition to the force.

"In my previous county, I was a chief deputy and jail administrator, so I know some of the ins and outs of jail work and how that relates to law enforcement,“ Lester said. ”He’ll be able to use those skills to put to good use here.“

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com