Reading FOP Lodge #9

On the 20th anniversary of his murder, we remember.

Police Officer Scott Wertz was shot and killed at approximately 2:00 am after he and his partner responded to a fight at a local convenience store at the intersection of 8th and Walnut Streets.

Officer Wertz and his partner were working a plainclothes regional auto theft detail when the call was broadcast and they responded to the scene. When they arrived at the location, they heard several shots in the parking lot and saw a man leaving the lot.

As the officers approached the man he began to flee on foot. When Officer Wertz caught the man, he suddenly fired two shots, fatally striking Officer Wertz in the chest. Officer Wertz's partner immediately tackled the suspect and took him into custody.

The suspect was convicted of murder and sentenced to death.

Officer Wertz had served with the Reading Police Department for 11 years. He had previously worked as a prison guard and as a part-time officer for the Sinking Spring Borough Police Department and the South Heidelberg Township Police Department. He is survived by his wife and two sons.

💐 It is with a heavy heart that we share the memorial page for SGT Michael P. Light.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/michael-light-obituary?id=62093299

🍦🚓 Cones with Cops!

The Reading Police Chaplain Corps is excited to host Cones with Cops on Tuesday, July 28, from 1:00–3:00 PM at the Reading Public Library.

Stop by for a free ice cream cone, meet your neighborhood police officers, and enjoy an afternoon of conversation, smiles, and community connection. We look forward to seeing you there!

PASSED - COLA Legislation - Ad hoc Post Retirement Adjustment

Thanks to over a decade of work by the Pennsylvania State Lodge Legislative Committee, the first municipal police pension COLA in 24 years has been approved. Effective August 1, 2026, retirees will receive $75/month ($900/year) after 5–10 years of retirement, $150/month ($1,800/year) after 10–20 years, and $300/month ($3,600/year) after 20+ years. While smaller than hoped, this long-overdue increase is an important step forward for our retired officers. Pension systems may take 90 days or longer to process the changes.

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸

Today we celebrate 250 years of freedom, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of our nation. Wishing everyone a safe and memorable Fourth of July filled with family, friends, fireworks, and maybe a few hot dogs. 🌭🎆

Our Chaplain Corps is absolutely wonderful!

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

I was proud to support legislation in the Local Government Committee that would ensure the families of fallen police officers can continue receiving health insurance coverage.

During the committee meeting, I shared a personal experience from my time as Berks County Sheriff, when the wife of a deputy killed in the line of duty was informed she would lose her benefits just days after her husband’s death. While we were able to help her keep coverage through the birth of their child, not every family has someone to fight for them.

Our first responders put their lives on the line every day. We owe it to their families to make sure they are protected if the unthinkable happens.

We’ve been excited to see the interest in our Patrol Officer position! If you’ve been thinking about a career in law enforcement, now is the time to take the next step.

Join us for our upcoming FREE Civil Service Testing:

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM (Doors close at 8:30 AM)

📅 Saturday, August 15, 2026
⏰ 8:00 AM (Doors close at 8:30 AM)

📍 Alvernia University Plex
465 Saint Bernardine Street
Reading, PA 19607

No application is necessary. Just bring a valid form of ID.

We're looking forward to meeting everyone who comes out.

We’ll provide the training; you bring the commitment to serve.

See you soon!

-RPD

This is a huge loss. Rest easy Joel… 💔

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Deputy Investigator Joel Bonilla.

For more than 31 years, Joel faithfully served the citizens of Berks County with dedication, professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Throughout his career, he touched countless lives through his service and made a lasting impact on this office, his colleagues, and the community he so proudly served.

Joel was more than a coworker—he was a trusted colleague, mentor, and friend. His commitment to helping others, his steady presence, and his willingness to serve will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Today, we mourn not only the loss of a dedicated public servant but also a member of our Berks County Coroner’s Office family. The void left by his passing cannot be measured, and there are simply no words that can fully express the sadness we feel.

We ask that you keep Joel’s family, friends, and fellow members of the Berks County Coroner’s Office in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Rest easy, Joel. Thank you for your years of service, your friendship, and your unwavering commitment to the people of Berks County. Your legacy will live on, and you will never be forgotten.