MT. PENN , Pa – Fallen Central Berks Regional Police Officer Kristen Yeager leaves behind a legacy of service.
“When I heard about what happened to Kristen it was first I said a lot of prayers. We didn’t know, and it’s sad. It’s a sad situation and we can only pray for her family and her,” said Officer Karen Grycon with Exeter Township Police.
One of the people who helped start Yeager’s years of service, Officer Karen Grycon, longtime member of the Exeter Township Police Department said, “When I heard about it that I was an influence on her it was an honor. I feel honored that she said that about me.”
In a story provided to us by the Boyertown School TV program, Yeager said as much during an interview, while working as a School Resource Officer for about year, starting in August of 2019. “When I was in fifth grade we had the DARE program and my DARE officer was a female, she was the first female officer in Berks County and I just kept in contact with her throughout high school I was a DARE role model and went to college and here I am,” Yeager said.
“I was at a festival some kind of event at Exeter high school and Kristen ran up to me and introduced me to them telling them I was a big influence on her becoming a police officer,” Grycon said.
Yeager died in a crash in Earl Township on Friday night while on her way to help a neighboring police department. The choice of entering the police force is one that doesn’t always guarantee a safe return home, something Grycon knows.
“My father, retired Sgt Thomas R Webber from the Lancaster city police force, was a big influence on me becoming a police officer,” said Grycon.
Stories of inspiration and influence, following unspeakable tragedy, along the thin blue line.
“I work hard to encourage other young people to make right choices and do good things in life and if they want to be a police officer,” Grycon said. ” Stay in school do good and be anything you want to be just work hard.”