Three years after a diagnosis of stage 4 melanoma, New Holland police officer Wendell Metzler succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was 52.
Metzler worked for over 27 years as a police officer, serving Ephrata for 7-and-a-half years, and New Holland for the latter 20 years. Throughout that time, Metzler also worked part-time for the West Earl police department.Â
Metzler was perhaps best known for his friendship with Ryan Forbes, a former felon with whom he grew a long-standing friendship. His experience with Forbes inspired him to write a book called Unchained. A February 2020 LNP | LancasterOnline story chronicled Metzler and Forbes unlikely bond.