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William "Bill" Herkert Jr., 65, passed away on Friday, Feb. 19, 2021.
He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Michelle Stueber Herkert, and his daughter, Megan Jean, and the loves of his life, Landon, Delaney and Jordan. To them, he was the best Pop-Pop in the world! Fishing, biking, swimming, life guarding, golfing, Playmobil and playing chess were his favorite things to do.
Bill earned a B.A. from Rowan University, a M.A. from Seton Hall University and attended numerous leadership classes on policing, the most honorable, the FBI National Academy, Quantico, Va. in 2004, session 217.
Bill's career extends 45 years of active law enforcement. He began his career in 1976, in Vineland, NJ, where he was a street cop and detective. This lead him to 24 years with the Dover Township/Toms River Police, where he retired as captain in charge of the Operations Bureau. After a move to Pennsylvania, he became chief of Lewistown Police, building the new department from conception to today. In Pennsylvania, he became involved with Penn State as a professor teaching for the Justice and Safety Institute. There he developed curriculum and taught innovative courses, including advanced leadership classes and budget classes, until his death.
Moving to Charleston, S.C. brought Bill closer to his favorite three people. Bill decided to try college life again, this time as deputy chief and then Chief of Public Safety, Fire and EMS at the College of Charleston. He retired in October 2020, but stayed as a volunteer consultant.
Bill is a co-founder/member of Comprehensive Criminal Justice Solutions, providing the highest quality of training and consulting in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, probation and parole.
He served as board president of the Lewistown, now Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital. He was active in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, FBINA association, president of Central Pa. Chiefs, Lewistown and Toms River Kiwanis, United Way Executive Board, domestic and juvenile task forces and so many others.
Bill was strict, but fair. His favorite saying was "Facts before ax" and he will be remembered as an eternal optimist, always looking for the good in people, even when he mostly dealt with the worst.
Those who know Bill are better for it. EOW-End of Watch Bill, your teachings have inspired others to carry on. RIP!