Officer Scott A. Wertz Memorial Berks County Scholarship Fund

Officer Scott A. Wertz was a lifelong resident of Berks County, Pennsylvania. He attended Reading and Wilson School Districts before graduating from Wilson High School in 1984. He graduated from the Reading Police Academy in 1994 and again in 1997. Prior to that, he worked as a Correctional Officer at Berks County Prison and also worked part-time for the Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township police departments. He joined the Reading Police Department in 1997. He worked in the Patrol Division, was a Field Training Officer (FTO), and was on the Auto Theft Task Force — a part of the criminal investigations division. On August 6, 2006, Officer Wertz died in the line of duty. At the time of his death, he was survived by a wife and two sons. Throughout his life, Officer Wertz exemplified what service and heroism are all about. He excelled in his profession. He lived life with zest and charisma. His service made a difference in his community. He touched many people’s lives in many ways. He always had a smile on his face. He loved his family, friends, football, playing softball, his job, the Dallas Cowboys, the New York Yankees, the City of Reading, and life. He died doing what he loved to do. He truly was a hero, not just in how he died but in how he lived as well. This scholarship was established in 2006 by Scott’s family to honor his memory.

This fund will support one or more scholarships for graduating seniors who are children of police officers serving in Berks County, or for graduating seniors who attend Wilson High School (Scott’s alma mater), or for graduating seniors who are players, umpires or children or grandchildren of players or umpires in the Reading Softball Association.

Applicants must plan to continue their education after high school, with preference given to students planning a career in law enforcement, law, criminal justice or a related field. Preference will also be given to applicants who reside in Berks County over those applicants who are not Berks County residents.