Wayne Holben, Chief of the West Reading Police Department is stepping down from his position as police chief. The announcement was made during a Borough Council Meeting Tuesday evening, where Council voted to accept his resignation.
Holben has been a police officer in West Reading for 22 years. In that time, he has served as a motorcycle patrol officer, K9 officer for 2 years, evidence technician, field training officer, criminal investigator, and most recently chief of police.
A reason for the resignation was not provided during the council meeting. Holben will not be leaving the department, instead he will will be re-appointed to the rank of Sergeant.
“He was an excellent Sergeant when he was here, so we’re very fortunate to have him continue to be a part of our police department, even if it isn’t as as chief” said Council President Ryan Lineaweaver during the meeting. “[We] thank him for his almost year of service to our community and capacity as chief.”
Mayor Samantha Kaag agreed. “I think he was very good in his role while he was there and I’m appreciative that he is going back to Sergeant and staying within the West Reading community.”
With Holben stepping down, this will be the third time in nearly three years the Borough will search for a new police chief.
Holben is expected to serve as chief through Sunday, April 30. At that time, the department will appoint an acting chief until another candidate is found.
Borough will use the services of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association to find potential candidates. The association will collect resumes, conduct phone interviews, and rank candidates, providing Council with the finalists. The same process was used to hire previous police chiefs.
