Brian Horner was sworn in as the new police chief of Northern Berks Regional Police Department during a ceremony on May 8.
Northern Berks Regional Police Commissioners Granville Sandridge, Gary Hadden and Joseph Rudderow III voted to hire Horner as police chief during the regional police commission meeting at the Ontelaunee Township Municipal Building.
Speaking to an audience of family, friends, Northern Berks Regional Police officers and local community members, Horner thanked everyone for their support.
“My heart goes out to all of you,” he said. “It’s a good feeling to be in this position.”
Horner said he worked with retired chief Scott Eaken, learning much from him, as well as the officers.
“You’re going to see the officers come up here to be sworn in after me… I’m proud of all of these guys. This is the team,” said Horner. “This is a new beginning.”
Horner believes having them all sworn in is really important to show unity.
“We have a bright future ahead of us by working together,” said Horner.
The vote was followed by the swearing in ceremony conducted by Leesport District Judge Thomas M. Gauby Sr., making Horner the new police chief. Then, all Northern Berks Regional Police officers were sworn in by Gauby to signify a new beginning for the police department.
Speaking to his family that filled seats in the first two rows, Horner thanked them all.
“With you being my family, you got me to where I’m at today,” he said. “You guided me in the right direction. You supported me through thick and thin and I appreciate it very much.”
Police Commissioner Rudderow talked about the selection process that led to hiring Horner as chief.
“Brian did a great job through that whole process and he’s our chief today,” said Rudderow. “We allowed some professionals to help us. We don’t have that expertise. That got us down to three candidates and the Commission was able to interview those three candidates and ultimately Brian is who we selected and he is our next chief of police.”
After the meeting, officers, family and friends celebrated during a lunch at a local restaurant.
Northern Berks Regional Police Department serves the residents of Maidencreek Township, Ontelaunee Township, and Leesport Borough. A representative from Maidencreek, Ontelaunee and Leesport serve on the Northern Berks Regional Police Commission, Leesport Mayor Granville Sandridge, Ontelaunee Township Supervisor Gary Hadden and Maidencreek Township Supervisor Joseph Rudderow III.
