Two new Winona Lake Police Department reserve officers, Michelson Courtois and Payton Stutzman, were sworn in at the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at Winona Lake Town Hall. Afterwards, the two posed for a picture with other town officers. From left: David Swain, Stutzman, Courtois, Joe Bumbaugh, David Rapp, Keaton Schopf, John Leeper and Police Chief Joe Hawn. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WINONA LAKE — The Winona Lake Police Department has two new reserve officers.

At the Winona Lake Town Council meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 18, Town Attorney Adam Turner administered the oath of office to Michelson Courtois and Payton Stutzman, following the council unanimously approving their becoming officers.

Both also shared a bit about themselves.

Courtois, 30, of Warsaw, shared he’s originally from Haiti, having lived in the area since 2015. He’s married with a daughter and previously worked for the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Office.

“I wanted to serve the community,” he said.

Stutzman, 21, is a Grace College student.

“I came down here, absolutely fell in love with the community and I just want to give something back,” he said.