Dear Residents and Neighbors,

On Wednesday, March 25th, the South Heidelberg Police Department convened for our annual meeting, where we were proud to present the 2025 Annual Report and recognize the exceptional service and professionalism of our team through the 2025 SHPD awards.  It was my distinct honor to recognize the men and women of this department for the tremendous work, dedication, and professionalism they displayed throughout 2025.

While these awards are a small token of the appreciation they deserve, it is important to share these achievements with the communities we serve.  Please join me in congratulating the following individuals for their exceptional service:

2025 Awards and Promotion

Promotion

• To the rank of Patrol Sergeant: Alex Doelp

Years of Service Recognition

• 20 Years: Corporal Kyle Patton
• 5 Years: Corporal Alex Doelp, Officer Bryan Baxter, and Police Administrator Wanda Keener

Individual Commendations

• Meritorious Service Award: Officer Kevin Ebersole (For actions taken in Heidelberg Township).
• Lifesaving Award: Corporal Kyle Patton (For life-saving intervention during an aggravated assault in Heidelberg Township).
  • House of Representatives Citation: Corporal Kyle Patton presented by State Representative Eric Weaknecht
• Exceptional Duty Award: Officer Mitchell Cole (For his dedicated service as our School Resource Officer).
• Exceptional Duty Award: Corporal Marc Oxenford (For leadership during the 2025 DUI Checkpoint).
• Community Relations Award: Officer Darrin Dougherty (For his commitment to National Night Out, Heroes Day, and the Jack Frost Parade).

Unit & Project Citations

• 2025 Traffic Enforcement Unit Citation: Corporal Marc Oxenford, Officer Bryan Baxter, and Officer Mitchell Cole.
• The Pathfinder Project (Letters of Commendation): Detective Sergeant Robert Heiden, Corporal Marc Oxenford, Corporal Alex Doelp, and Police Administrator Wanda Keener.
• New Firearms Transition: Corporal Kyle Patton and Officer Jeremy Lanza.
• Exceptional Leadership & Command (Sept – Nov 2025): Detective Sergeant Heiden, Corporal Alex Doelp, Officer J. Lanza, and Officer D. Dougherty.

Every day, these individuals serve South Heidelberg Township, Wernersville Borough, Robesonia Borough, Heidelberg Township, and the Conrad Weiser High School, Middle School, and East Elementary communities.   We are incredibly proud to protect these communities, and I am equally proud to lead the officers who watch over them.

The 2025 Annual Report is now available for public review.  You may access this document through the link provided below or by visiting the "About Us" section of our official webpage under "Annual Reports/ Monthly Reports, 2025"

https://crimewatch.net/us/pa/berks/south-heidelberg-twp-pd/53263/content/2025-shpd-report

Sincerely,

J. Matthew Hook

Chief of Police

South Heidelberg Township Police Department