When Chris Rothermel reflects on his 25-year career in law enforcement, it’s clear that his path wasn’t always destined for a badge and uniform. Before rising to the rank of Captain in the Reading Police Department, Rothermel began his professional life as an electrician, working union jobs in the trades. It was a career that offered stability but lacked the fulfillment he sought.
“I was on jobs building prisons and schools, listening to guys close to retirement worrying if they’d make it long enough to collect benefits,” Rothermel recalled. “That wasn’t the future I wanted. Two of my best friends were police officers at the time, and they told me, ‘You’re miserable. Go apply.’ So I did, and I never looked back.”
That leap of faith launched a career marked by dedication not only to public safety but to community building. While police work often brings officers into people’s lives on their worst days, Rothermel found a unique outlet for positive engagement through Pennsylvania State Police Camp Cadet. For over two decades, he’s volunteered as Vice President of the program, mentoring young people from all walks of life.
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“We take kids from the city, suburbs, and rural areas—places like Pine Grove—and mix them up,” Rothermel explained. “They learn to navigate differences in background and perspective. By the end of the week, it’s amazing to see how they grow and learn to work as a team.”
For Rothermel, these experiences aren’t just about teaching kids life lessons—they’re about changing perceptions. “Law enforcement interactions are often negative by nature. Camp Cadet is a chance to flip that and create a positive experience,” he said.
In addition to his long-standing work with Camp Cadet, Rothermel has volunteered with initiatives like Camp Sunny Day, a one-day program for children with disabilities to experience the excitement of law enforcement in a fun, inclusive environment.
Now retired from the Reading Police Department, Rothermel has set his sights on a new form of service: running for Berks County Sheriff. While the campaign trail is new territory, his focus remains consistent—building better relationships, fostering transparency, and improving department culture.
“I’ve seen firsthand how critical it is to have structured promotional standards and open lines of communication in a department,” he said. “Too often, people feel like they’re either ‘in’ or ‘out.’ That’s no way to build trust or morale.”
Drawing on his leadership experience in the Reading Police Department, where he oversaw traffic supervision, special event planning, and interagency collaboration, Rothermel believes his background aligns well with the multifaceted role of the Sheriff’s Department.
“The sheriff’s office is an arm of the court, but it shares a lot of similarities with municipal policing. My experience managing personnel, coordinating with other agencies, and working within the court system translates directly to the work the sheriff’s department does every day,” he explained.
Despite the political nature of the sheriff’s position, Rothermel emphasizes that his motivation is rooted in community service, not political ambition. “I’m not looking to climb the political ladder. This isn’t a stepping stone to higher office. My goal is to run the sheriff’s department effectively, for the benefit of the community and the people who work there.”
As he navigates his first campaign, Rothermel remains committed to running a positive and issue-focused race. “I believe voters deserve to hear about qualifications and ideas, not mudslinging,” he said. “At the end of the day, it’s about making Berks County better.”
For Rothermel, whether it’s through law enforcement, mentorship, or community outreach, the mission remains the same: service, integrity, and building a stronger connection between public servants and the people they serve.