KATELYN HIBBARD/Sun-Gazette Scott Metzger retired as the deputy chief of the Lycoming County Adult Probation Office Monday after 32 years with the department.

Lycoming County’s Adult Probation Office is a family, a team that works together to reach goal after goal, said Scott Metzger, deputy chief, who retired Monday after 32 years.

“I’m going to miss the people,” he said. “I’m part of a team. I can’t say enough good things about my camp.”

Metzger started as a field agent with the team in December of 1986, during which time his case loads primarily involved assault and domestic violence. He became deputy chief in 2008.

“My No. 1 job was to serve the public,” he said. “We’re peace officers and with that comes great responsibility.”

His job revolved around two goals: keep people safe and help individuals who had committed crimes turn their lives around, he said.

During his time with the county, Metzger spearheaded programs such as Breaking Barriers, New Realities and On Breaking Ground.

He also helped coordinate the county-based probation and parole model for domestic violence supervision strategies, which has been implemented statewide, said Ed McCoy, Adult Probation Office chief.

Metzger was one of eight probation officers in Pennsylvania chosen to assist in the development of the curriculum for parole officer training statewide, he added.

“He was ahead of his time by implementing cognitive programming in the county,” McCoy said. “These programs have assisted several thousand participants in making positive changes in their individual lives.”

A local businessman with a passion for Little League, Metzger also is heavily involved in the community.

He’s served on the board for Montoursville Little League for the past 18 years, with 16 years as president of the board, and is a longtime team uncle and host for Little League International. Metzger managed this year’s Challenger Team, a team made up of children with different abilities.

Metzger also serves on the advisory boards for both Big Brothers/Big Sisters and the Wise Options.

“This is difficult for me. I’ve been with Scott for a long time. I’m going to miss him,” McCoy said, tearing up, during a ceremony honoring Metzger on Thursday. “What I wish for you, Scott, as you ease into retirement, in your heart, you never forget that ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God,’ and you are still a member of the greatest fraternity the world has ever known.”

The commissioners commended Metzger’s efforts over the years and thanked him for his service, as did Sheriff Mark Lusk.

“The most important accolades, I think, that hasn’t been mentioned yet — Scott is Santa’s helper and has been for about 30, 35 years. I never got a gift from Santa, so…” Lusk said, to laughter.

“There’s no relationship more intricate, with respect to operating at the county level, from a security standpoint, than the relationship the Office of the Sheriff has with adult probation and the Lycoming County Prison,” he said, turning serious. “Every day, all day long, we are in direct communication. We’re almost like one, and Scott was instrumental in that. His are going to be very, very big shoes to fill.”

Metzger offered words of gratitude and wisdom on one of his last days with the county, crediting his parents for instilling in him the values of hard work, family, God and country.

“Serve the people,” he said. “God has given so much. Give it back.”

“There is but one use of power,” Metzger added, quoting a prayer the late President George H. W. Bush recited during his inauguration, “and it is to serve our people.”