Long-Time Reading Police Officer Dies

The Reading Police Department announced the death of retired Police Officer Herb Perry Wednesday morning.

“It is with deep regret that we announce the passing this morning of Officer Herbert Perry (retired, 1991),” a department spokesperson said on the RPD Facebook page Wednesday.

Officer Perry worked with Reading PD up until the mandatory retirement age of 65 years old.

“He exemplified the value of community contact while on foot patrol in the Square,” said the police spokesperson.

Reading Police Lt. Peter Garchinsky said Wednesday, “His interaction with merchants and folks in the Square was invaluable to the goals of community policing. Herb gave everything he had to the people he met including his personality, opinion and caring nature.”

According to the police department’s statement, Officer Perry “loved every minute of walking Reading Square, and everyone he came in contact with loved him back.”

Funeral arrangements for Officer Perry have not been announced yet.

Do you remember Officer Perry? Share your remembrances in the comments below or send your stories and photos to Editor Danielle Masterson at danielle.masterson@patch.com.