Nearly 41 years ago, Ray Serafin began his career as a part-time police officer for the Lower Alsace department.
He was the only one in his family in law enforcement, having recently graduated college with a degree in criminal justice.
“I was always planning on working in enforcement,” Serafin said. “And I just did it.”
Serafin’s many impacts since then saw him emerge not only as chief of the Central Berks Regional Police Department, but as a force of unity for the officers under his command, and the communities they serve.
He was instrumental in merging the Mount Penn and Lower Alsace departments into the Central Berks department in 1993.
Serafin also played a critical role in the department’s later expansion into St. Lawrence and Oley Township.
Dedication honored
Those impacts, and many more, were apparent in the packed house at the Mount Penn Borough office on Jan. 27 when dozens braved the icy weather for a celebration of Serafin’s career and pending retirement.
Saint Lawrence Mayor Corrie Crupi-Zana along with Saint Lawrence Borough Council members give retiring Central Berks Police Chief Raymond Serafin a gift during a ceremony at the Mount Penn Borough Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
“Stitching together a department that oversees such a diverse area is a testament to Ray’s leadership,” Mount Penn Mayor Ryan Maurer said at the celebration.
Mount Penn Mayor Ryan Maurer gives retiring Central Berks Police Chief Raymond Serafin a gift during a ceremony at the Mount Penn Borough Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Maurer was among the group of local and state officials who thanked Serafin for his dedication to the force and the communities it serves.
“Ray brings something that we desperately need in our community and that I desperately want as a leader,” said Jeffrey Spatz, chairman of the Oley Township supervisors. “That is a lack of drama and a lack of chaos.”
Spatz said Serafin’s response to issues was always prompt and professional.
“We’ve had some bad situations in our little community,” Spatz said. “We’ve had some really trying times. In those terrible times, the chief and his leadership and his team have done just an exceptional job.”
State Rep. Jacklyn Russnock and state Sen. Judy Schwank honored Serafin with citations recognizing his service.
Schwank said Serafin struck her as a visionary.
State Sen. Judy Schwank lauds retiring Central Berks Police Chief Raymond Serafin during a ceremony at the Mount Penn Borough Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
“Not only have you kept a regional force together, but you’ve grown it to add more communities,” Schwank said. “That says a lot about your leadership. Because of that, folks here know that they are in good hands, that they can be safe.”
Schwank also noted Serafin’s role in establishing an annual National Night Out in Berks County.
“That’s about letting people, from little kids to seniors, understand that this is their community, this is how police represent them,” Serafin said. “That’s such a great thing.”
Serafin thanked the Central Berks municipalities for collaboration.
“It’s not just me, it’s the leaders and these guys sitting behind me,” Serafin said, referring to the Central Berks police officers. “What I’m proud of is people are standing behind us to do the best we can.”
He said each of the communities under Central Berks’ purview requires a unique approach to policing.
“We go from a city-type atmosphere to where cows are running in the street,” Serafin said. “It’s a nice thing. That’s the thing I miss the most, is the people we serve.”
Serafin said he’d also miss his officers.
“It’s family,” Serafin said. “You’re with them every day.”
New chief
Serafin, whose last day Serafin’s last day with the department was Feb. 2, also congratulated Sgt. Justin Johnson, who will be assuming the role as chief of police.
“He’s been with me for 25 years,” Serafin said. “I think he’ll do a fabulous job. He’s a very caring individual, he’s community oriented. I think all those things will be to his benefit.”
Johnson said he was grateful for Serafin’s mentorship.
“He’s prepared me well,” Johnson said. “I’m ready to jump in and get acclimated. I’ve been here, home grown, so I know what to expect. I’m looking forward to it.”
A retirement cake was part of the ceremony honoring Central Berks Police Chief Raymond Serafin. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)