Reading FOP Lodge #9

09/12/2026

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

Vincent Sanchez was convicted by a jury yesterday of 1st Degree Murder for the July 2023 shooting of Ellis Garman, Sr. at S. 6th and Cherry Streets in Reading. Sanchez faces a mandatory sentence of Life in Prison without Parole. Case investigated by City of Reading Police Department CI Joshua Sheller and tried by ADAs Rachel Louviaux and Dennis Skayhan.

09/11/2026

Twenty-five years later, we remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, the first responders who ran toward danger, and the countless men and women of our Armed Forces who answered the call and made the ultimate sacrifice in the years that followed. We honor their courage, their service, and their sacrifice.

We will never forget. 🇺🇸

08/06/2026

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.

08/03/2026

💐 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

07/31/2026

07/23/2026

🍦🚓 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!

07/12/2026

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.

07/04/2026

🇺🇸 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. 🌭🎆

07/01/2026

Our Chaplain Corps is absolutely wonderful!

06/25/2026

👏🏼 👏🏼 👏🏼

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.