In a quiet ceremony Tuesday morning, attended by myself, police chief Brenda Bernot’s husband, and roughly two dozen officers, the Westtown-East Goshen Regional police force said goodbye to their chief and leader of more than a decade. This week, I had a chance to catch up with the newly retired Chief Bernot on community policing, her time in Westtown-East Goshen, and what it takes to be an officer.

Editor’s note: responses have been edited for length

HWC: What surprised you most about the department when you joined in 2013?

BB: In the last two decades, there has been an increased push for police departments to fully embrace the concept of community-based policing. When I was appointed as Chief of Police for the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department in 2013, I was surprised at how completely ingrained this concept [already] was in the day-to-day operations of the agency. Our officers are thoroughly committed to working as partners with our communities to ensure that information is shared in a timely manner, that victims have a true voice in investigations and prosecutions, and that the services offered by WEGO PD reflect the needs and wants of our communities.

HWC: As you look back over your tenure, what accomplishments are you most proud of?

BB: During my 12 years as Chief, I believe that I am most proud of the three following achievements:

Enhanced professionalism within the agency. In 2016, the Westtown-East Goshen Regional Police Department became an accredited agency through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association – making it the second municipal police department in Chester County and one of only 16 percent of all law enforcement agencies in Pennsylvania to reach this achievement. [Accreditation improves professionalism by creating transparent evaluation processes, encouraging adherence to policing best practices, and reducing legal liability risks.]

Improved community relations. Due to the presence of numerous public, parochial, and private schools within the [WEGO] jurisdiction, I prioritized growth that enhanced services for [local] children and their families. For example, the agency added a Juvenile Detective to its staffing in 2017 and a full-time School Resource Officer in January of 2023.

Increased use of technology to enhance investigations and prosecutions. In 2022, I submitted various grant applications resulting in awards of approximately $900,000. The grants enabled the agency to [among other things] upgrade its technology including new state-of-the-art body-worn cameras, in-car cameras, license plate readers, and digital evidence technologies that enhanced investigative capabilities.

HWC: I just did a quick Google search and learned that less than 3% of police chiefs are female. How did you get involved in policing and do you have any advice for little girls who dream of being police officers?

BB: I decided to become a police officer over 40 years ago based on my experiences as a victim of crime. I knew that I wanted to find a career that would allow me to protect, serve, and advocate for victims of all types – becoming a police officer was the ideal way for me to do all of that.

Law enforcement is a career that is frequently overlooked by young adults (especially females) and that is a shame. Law enforcement provides the ideal blend of meaning and financial security. In 40 years of being a police officer, I have never heard a retiring officer express thoughts that they had “wasted their life.” Instead, each officer talked about the ways they had made a difference. It is truly a rewarding career!

To little girls who may dream of pursuing similar goals, I encourage you to focus on the many diverse skills that will prepare you for a career in law enforcement such as verbal mediation skills, interpersonal communications, constitutional law, and general physical fitness. But it is most important that you live a life that demonstrates integrity, honor, service, trust, respect, dedication, compassion, and commitment. Officers are held to a very high standard.

HWC: I heard your initial plan was to retire in April. What led you to move the date up to the end of the year?

BB: As a result of no longer serving Thornbury Township (effective January 1, 2023), the Police Commission and the East Goshen/Westtown Boards of Supervisors are looking to re-examine the way in which they are providing police services to their residents. As part of this transition, they believed it was a good time to make a fresh start in the leadership of the police department and generously offered me an opportunity for an early retirement, which I accepted.

HWC: What is next for you?

BB: After 40 years in law enforcement, I believe that I would like to explore other avenues for serving my community. For example, I have had little opportunity to engage in volunteer activities. Additionally, I am looking forward to traveling, as well as spending more time with my family and friends.

Thank you, Brenda, for your service, and best wishes on your retirement. Lieutenant Dave Leahy will serve as Interim Chief as the department searches for a new leader.

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Originally published on Jan. 3, 2025

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