29-01-2025
Retired Reading police officer running for Berks sheriff
After a long career in law enforcement, Chris Rothermel has announced his intention to be the next sheriff of Berks County.
Having retired from the Reading Police Department in December after 27 years of service, Rothermel said he thinks his extensive background in law enforcement will make him an ideal candidate to lead the office.
That's why he's seeking the Republican nomination in the upcoming primary to fill a vacancy left when Eric Weaknecht won election in November to serve as the representative for the 5th Legislative District. The winner of the race will serve out the remaining two years of Weaknecht's term.
Weaknecht had been sheriff since 2008, winning reelection just last year.
Rothermel will face Mandy Miller, who is serving as the acting sheriff, in the May 20 election.
Chris Rothermel
'I think the office is a great fit for me,' Rothermel said. 'I can parlay my experience as a police officer to the position and run the department as a law enforcement agency.'
The office is responsible for elements of criminal court, civil court, enforcement of state crimes and motor vehicle codes and has a firearms licensing and enforcement function. It is staffed with 110 employees organized into six divisions — civil, court, patrol, central booking, K-9 and warrants.
Rothermel said that thanks to his previous roles overseeing the criminal investigations, special services and patrol divisions of the Reading Police Department he has the skills needed to serve as sheriff.
The Robeson Township resident said he knows how to implement policies to improve efficiency, he understands the importance of collaborating with other law enforcement agencies and he believes strongly in fostering a positive work environment. He said those skills are needed to be an effective sheriff.
'I would say that it's an advantage for me having been in law enforcement because there's a lot of complexity to the job,' he said.
And while he may not have the 25 years of experience working in the Berks County Sheriff's Office that his opponent does, Rothermel said that bringing a fresh perspective to the post may be a good thing.
'I think that as far as experience goes I have a little bit more to bring to the job as far as diversity and I think that will be good for my campaign,' he said. 'Coming into any new job like this you're going to sit down with your command staff, get to know everyone who's there and have open and honest conversations with the people who have been there the longest think is broken and how they believe we can fix it.'
Rothermel said that, if elected, he will ensure deputies are highly motivated, expertly trained and fully supported by county government.
He added that part of achieving that mission will be advocating for a better contract for the union representing deputies, noting that they are often the most underpaid members of law enforcement and therefore are prone to high turnover.
The county sheriff currently receives an annual salary of $101,694.
Meet the candidate
Candidate: Chris Rothermel, 52, Robeson Township.
Position sought: Berks County sheriff.
Website:
Background: Rothermel retired from the Reading Police Department after 27 years of service, where he supervised criminal investigations and patrol activities. He's a graduate of the Penn State Justice and Safety Institute. He also served as a volunteer counselor and board member for the Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet Academy.
