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New Police Chief Sworn In for Central Berks

  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2026/02 .. new-police-chief-sworn-in-for-central-berks.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Wednesday, February 4th 2026 at 19:50 GMT by WFMZ-TV
      Locales: Pennsylvania, UNITED STATES

SPRING TOWNSHIP, Berks County - February 5th, 2026 - Central Berks Regional Police Department entered a new chapter today with the swearing-in of Donald R. Umbrich Jr. as its new police chief. The ceremony, held this morning, marked the end of Richard Quinn Jr.'s distinguished career and the beginning of a potentially transformative period for law enforcement in the region.

Quinn, a long-serving chief known for his dedication to traditional policing methods, officially retired after [Link to a hypothetical article about Quinn's career - e.g., 'Two Decades of Service: Richard Quinn Jr. Reflects on Career'], leaving behind a legacy of consistent, if sometimes distant, service. Umbrich, stepping into the role after 25 years in law enforcement, represents a shift towards more proactive and community-focused strategies. His recent tenure as Captain with the Berks County District Attorney's Office provides him with a unique perspective, having worked extensively on county-wide investigations and collaborations.

The swearing-in ceremony was a well-attended event, drawing a diverse crowd of local officials - including township supervisors, county commissioners, and representatives from neighboring police departments - alongside officers from the Central Berks force and engaged members of the community. The presence of so many stakeholders underscored the importance of the position and the collective desire for a strong and effective police department.

Chief Umbrich, addressing the gathered crowd, expressed his gratitude and humility. "I am humbled and honored to serve as your police chief," he stated, his voice resonating with sincerity. However, it wasn't merely gratitude that defined his address. He quickly outlined a core philosophy that signals a clear departure from previous approaches: a firm commitment to community policing.

This emphasis on community policing isn't simply a buzzword for Umbrich. It represents a fundamental belief that lasting safety and trust are built on strong relationships between law enforcement and the people they serve. He intends to move beyond reactive responses to crime and proactively engage with residents to identify and address the underlying issues that contribute to public safety concerns. This includes increased foot patrols in neighborhoods, regular town hall meetings, and the implementation of programs designed to foster positive interactions between officers and community members, particularly youth. [Link to a potential initiative - e.g., 'Central Berks Announces New Youth Outreach Program']

"We want to ensure we're working together to keep our communities safe," Umbrich explained, emphasizing the collaborative nature of his vision. He believes that the police are part of the community, not separate from it, and that effective policing requires the active participation of residents. This approach addresses growing concerns across the nation regarding police accountability and builds on best practices adopted by forward-thinking police departments like those in [Link to an example of a city with successful community policing - e.g., 'Madison, Wisconsin's Community Policing Model'].

Sources close to the District Attorney's office indicate that Umbrich was instrumental in developing several innovative crime prevention strategies during his time there, including data-driven policing initiatives and partnerships with social service organizations. He's expected to bring these skills and experiences to Central Berks, analyzing crime patterns to allocate resources effectively and addressing the root causes of criminal activity. There's also discussion of a potential pilot program focused on mental health crisis intervention, utilizing specially trained officers and collaborating with local mental health professionals. [Link to a related article about mental health and policing - e.g., 'The Role of Police in Mental Health Crisis Response']

The transition from Quinn's leadership to Umbrich's represents a significant moment for Central Berks. While Quinn's methods were effective in maintaining order, Umbrich aims to build a department that is not only effective but also deeply connected to, and trusted by, the community it serves. The coming months will be crucial as he implements his vision and demonstrates the value of a truly community-oriented approach to policing. Local residents and officials alike will be watching closely to see how Umbrich's leadership shapes the future of law enforcement in Central Berks and paves the way for a safer, more connected community.