Students at Eureka USD 389 will see a new face next week, as Deputy Matthew Mettling joins the district as the School Resource Officer (SRO), as SRO Mike Miles will soon be appointed as Rice County’s Undersheriff.
Deputy Mettling has been in law enforcement for four years. After graduating from the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, he has worked for Ness County Sheriff’s Office, WaKeeney Police Department and Woodson County Sheriff’s Office, before joining the Greenwood County Sheriff’s Office last fall. Deputy Mettling has been a certified SRO for two years.
“I wanted to be in Law Enforcement so I could be a voice for those who can’t speak out for themselves,” stated Deputy Mettling. “Growing up, I went through a lot of bullying in school, and I didn’t have someone to speak up for me. If at the end of the day, I can help someone feel safer, I know I did my job. I wanted to be a SRO because of the passion I have for reaching the youth of our communities. I believe it’s important our kids know that they can trust Law Enforcement and that they can trust us when they need help,” he continued.
Deputy Mettling also serves the Eureka community as a Campus Pastor, along with his wife Nicole, at Hope Church in Eureka. The Mettlings have two boys, ages 3 and 1. His parents, Alan and Tracy, reside in Great Bend, but also stay in Eureka every other weekend to assist with childcare at Hope Church.
In Deputy Mettling’s spare time, he loves spending time with family, golfing and training at the range.
