The recently retired Reading police chief will head the West Reading Police Department.
West Reading Borough Council at its meeting Tuesday night appointed Richard Tornielli as police chief, effective Sept. 5.
The department has been without a chief since April, when Wayne Holben stepped down after 10 months in that role to return to his previous position as a sergeant. Sgt. Chad Marks has been serving as officer in charge.
The previous chief, Glenn Granitz Jr., who had retired as head of the Allentown police department, resigned after only six months on the job in West Reading. Granitz accepted a position in the private sector.
In a press release, borough officials were exuberant that Tornielli accepted their offer after 22 years of service with the largest police department in Berks County.
They noted that Tornielli brings a wealth of experience and a commitment to community-oriented policing to the role, having served various roles within the city department during his career, including patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and most recently chief. He was the Reading Police Bomb Squad commander for more than 10 years.
Tornielli was appointed the city’s police chief in January 2020 and held that position until retiring in July.
Tornielli’s retirement was announced by Mayor Eddie Moran, who issued a statement praising the chief for his decades of work for the department while indicating that he and Tornielli reached a mutual decision that it is time for a change in leadership in the face of ongoing challenges with violent crime in Reading.
In Reading, Tornielli was responsible for planning and monitoring a $37 million annual budget while overseeing the administration of 168 officers and 34 civilian employees.
In West Reading, he’ll oversee 14 officers and four civilian employees.
His starting salary will be $119,500 per year, prorated through the end of this year.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chief Tornielli to our West Reading family,” Mayor Samantha Kaag said in the release. “His proven track record in law enforcement, combined with his passion for community engagement, aligns perfectly with our borough’s values.
“I am confident that under his leadership, our police department will continue to foster trust and collaboration within our diverse community.”
Borough Council President Ryan Lineaweaver added: “Chief Tornielli’s extensive background in law enforcement and his dedication to implementing modern and community-driven policing practices make him an exceptional choice to lead the West Reading Police Department. His commitment to community policing will contribute to the safety and well-being of our residents.”
Tornielli holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice system administration from Alvernia University and has completed additional advanced leadership training programs.
Tornielli’s approach to policing emphasizes community partnerships, crime prevention and a proactive response to emerging challenges, officials said of his qualifications and attributes
He engaged residents and local community organizations, fostered positive working relationships with city departments and county, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
Tornielli was chosen from a nationwide search, a process that was run with the aid of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. Several rounds of interviews involving current chiefs, former chiefs and borough council were held prior to Tornielli’s selection.
“I am honored to join the West Reading Police Department as its chief of police,” Tornielli said in the release. “I am committed to building upon the department’s legacy of professionalism and integrity while fostering an environment of open communication and collaboration.
“Together with our dedicated officers, I am eager to enhance public safety and continue building strong relationships with the community we serve.”
The swearing-in ceremony for Tornielli will take place on Sept. 5 at a time to be determined at West Reading Borough Hall. The ceremony will be open to the public.
Source: Berkshire mont