After 25 years filling various roles in West Reading, veteran police officer Wayne Holben has been tapped to lead the Northern Berks Regional Police Department.
Holben retired from the borough force early this month after accepting the employment offer from Northern Berks Regional Police Commission.
He had served as the borough police chief for nearly a year before stepping down in April 2023 and returning to his previous position as patrol sergeant. At the time, he said the move was best for himself and his family.
In a March 10 Facebook post, West Reading police said: “Throughout his career, Sgt. Holben played a pivotal role in strengthening the partnership between our department and the community. His leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public safety have been a cornerstone of our success. The positive impact he has made — both within the department and across the borough — will be felt for years to come.”
The Northern Berks department serves Ontelaunee and Maidencreek townships and Leesport.
The police commission, composed of representatives of the three municipalities, began the search for a new chief after James Keiser retired early this year after more than four years on the job.
Holben’s supervisory experience and track record that includes building relationships within the community stood out, officials said.
“He just has a really solid background, and chief was a natural career progression,” said Joshua Meck, commission chairman.
With West Reading, Holben served in a variety of roles, including K-9 handler, criminal investigator, evidence technician, field training officer and patrol sergeant.
Holben, a 2000 Alvernia University graduate, also has strong ties to the community served by Northern Berks police. He has resided for more than two decades in the Schuylkill Valley School District, where the high school, middle school and elementary school campuses are all in the vicinity of the Northern Berks police station.
“We’re hoping to have a Chief Holben for many years to come and we’re happy to have Wayne,” Meck said.
Commission Vice Chairman Ronald Strause said the commission posted the chief vacancy with the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.
The commission screened the applicants without the aid of an outside consultant, he said.
The commission whittled down the initial pool of 29 applications to fewer than 10. After interviews, they identified two candidates as worthy of offers.
“Wayne has a very good resume,” Strause said. “We reached out to different people we knew. He gave very professional feedback. I just thought that everything about him was exceptional.”
COURTESY OF NORTHERN BERKS REGIONAL POLICE
Northern Berks Police Chief Wayne Holben poses with his family and District Judge Brian Strand, who swore him in on March 9 in the Bern Township courtroom. With Holben and his wife, Jessica, are their daughters Mackenna, left, and Lucy. (COURTESY OF NORTHERN BERKS REGIONAL POLICE)
The commission offered Holben the position on Jan. 27 and formally ratified the agreement at its Feb. 9 meeting.
Strause said Holben’s arrival has already made a noticeable difference.
“I can tell by the attitude of the department down there already,” he said. “It’s very positive.”
The agreement, which is effective through 2028, specifies that Holben is to be a “working” chief, which includes actively patrolling and enforcing the law in addition to overnight, management and administration.
He will be paid an annual salary of $137,000.
The agreement renews annually at the start of each calendar year unless Holben or the commission provide 90 days’ notice of their intention not to renew.
Holben said he’s happy to serve the community he’s called home for more than two decades. Both of his children have attended Schuylkill Valley schools, he said.
In a March 11 Facebook post addressed to the Northern Berks community, Holben called the appointment a true blessing, saying he was grateful for the chance to lead in the place where he and his family have made their home.
He said he was drawn to the department by its dedicated officers, the strong support it receives from residents and the pride shared by the people who live in the region.
“Community is incredibly important to me,” he wrote, adding that residents can expect to see officers “out and about being present, engaged, and working alongside you.”
“We are committed to connecting, collaborating, and building strong relationships that reinforce trust and safety for everyone,” he said. “My policing philosophy focuses heavily on being a good neighbor in the community.”