Over a two-month period, Officer Jonathan Warn experienced two life changing moments as he was sworn into the Parker Police Department and became a US citizen. 

Born in Plymouth, England, Warn immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was 3 years old and received a green card in 2005. This year, he decided to take it upon himself to go through the last step of becoming a citizen.

“This is my home, this is my country, I really should have every part of that,” said Warn.

Naturalization is the “process by which citizenship is granted to a lawful permanent resident after meeting the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act,” according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services website. 

It is a 10 step process that includes interviews and testing before taking an oath of allegiance at a ceremony. 

In July, Warn was one of three officers sworn into the Parker Police Department. On Aug. 17, he was among 34 individuals who took the oath and were officially naturalized as American citizens. 

From countries such as Ghana, the Philippines, the Czech Republic, Columbia and Israel, more than 30 people represented 17 different countries. 

American flags were waiving in the sea of family and friends as everyone received their certificates. Warn said he was at a loss for words. 

“It was a powerful moment,” said Warn. “I was really just taken away with this whole ceremony.”

With the certificate in his hand and a large smile on his face, Warn spoke about how this is a monumental moment for him. 

“It’s everything,” said Warn. “It means a lot to me to be sworn in as a police officer last month and being a US citizen this month.”

There in support was Deputy Chief of Police Ron Combs and Chief Jim Tsurapas. 

“It’s a diverse department,” said Tsurapas. 

Warn is not the only officer of the Parker Police Department to gain their American Citizenship. Sgt. Chris Kozuch - who is no longer with the department - became a naturalized citizen in 2006. 

Also, born in Australia, Tsurapas became an American citizen about 40 years ago. He said it was great to see Warn have this opportunity and have him a part of the department.