Officer Scott Wertz was shot and killed on August 6, 2006 at approximately 2:00 am after he and his partner responded to a fight at a local convenience store at the intersection of 8th and Walnut Streets, in Reading, PA.

Officer Wertz and his partner were working a plainclothes regional auto theft detail when the call was broadcast and they responded to the scene. When they arrived at the location, they heard several shots in the parking lot and saw a man leaving the lot.

As the officers approached the man he began to flee on foot. When Officer Wertz caught the man, he suddenly fired two shots, fatally striking Officer Wertz in the chest. Officer Wertz's partner immediately tackled the suspect and took him into custody.

Officer Wertz had served with the Reading Police Department for 9 years. He had previously worked as a prison guard and as a part time officer for the Sinking Spring and South Heidelberg Township Police Departments.

Scott was a dedicated Police Officer, husband, and father of two sons. His absence from the table and the roll call will be greatly missed.

This tragic event typifies the dangerous job that our dedicated men and women serving in law enforcement face on a daily basis. Scott’s courage and dedication will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. In that final roll call that we all must face, Scott’s ultimate sacrifice will not go unrewarded.

A scholarship fund has been established for Scott’s children. Contributions can be made to the Jared and Joshua Wertz Scholarship Fund, c/o Barta-Berks Federal Credit Union, 1049 Exeter Rd., Reading, PA 19604.