A community is remembering the life and legacy of Officer Kristen Yeager, killed in a car crash while on duty.
A slow-moving procession roared down Perkiomen Ave. on Monday night drowning spectators in sounds and emotion. People began lining the route more than an hour before.
“She had a great personality. She was a great police officer, she just was for the people and for children. She loved children,” said Marylou Diefenderfer, of Exeter Township.
No fewer than 16 motorcycles escorted the hearse carrying Officer Kristen Yeager’s body. Dozens of police and fire departments followed.
Jennifer Strouse brought flowers of white and blue. It seems that everyone had a story, a connection to the Yeager family or considered Officer Kristen as a friend.
“And I worked for Judge Drumheller in Boyertown so she was in and out of our office all the time and sometimes her little girl used to sit at my desk and do coloring while she was having hearings,” Strouse said. “Loved her children more than life. It’s a very sad thing.”
The community has rallied around the officer’s friends and family after Yeager was killed Friday night while on duty when her vehicle went off the road and crashed in Earl Township.
Community rallies around family of fallen Central Berks officer
The community support has meant so much to David Steinmetz, a cousin of Officer Yeager. He’s talking about the support of local businesses, like the Sparkle Shine Express Car Wash, and community food trucks, who’s vendors are donating a portion of their proceeds Monday and during the procession to the Yeager family.
Officer Yeager was a 2.5-year veteran of the force, but her dedication to being a public servant is just part of her legacy. She leaves behind her husband and three children.
Before wearing the badge, Yeager earned two degrees from Shippensburg University, including her masters in administration of justice. She was also a star field hockey defender, leading the team to its first ever PSAC championship in 2005.
USA Field Hockey released a statement Monday extending heartfelt condolences to her family, coworkers, and the entire community she served.
Governor Josh Shapiro ordered flags across the state to fly at half-staff, saying in part: “The women and men who wear the uniform put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe and we owe them our deepest gratitude.”
Since Saturday, the community has been contributing to memorials.
The main memorial is right outside of Central Berks Police Department, with flowers piling up on the hood of a police vehicle, a sign of thanks and love for Officer Yeager.
Memorial grows outside police station for fallen officer
Berks County’s most famous landmark, the Pagoda, as well as Reading City Hall and the Penn Street Bridge, were lit up in blue Monday night.
The investigation into Friday night’s crash continues.