Lititz Rotary Club Honors Retired Police Chief Kerry Nye with Paul Harris Fellow Recognition

 

At its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, held at the Lititz Springs Inn & Spa, the Lititz Rotary Club presented former Police Chief Kerry Nye with the distinguished Paul Harris Fellow recognition, honoring his 45 years of unwavering service to the Lititz Borough Police Department and the greater community.

 

The Paul Harris Fellow award, named after the founder of Rotary International, is one of Rotary’s highest honors. It acknowledges individuals whose life and work exemplify the organization's mission of service above self—a description that perfectly suits Chief Nye’s legacy.

 

Chief Nye, a lifelong public servant, began his journey toward law enforcement as early as elementary school, when he first dreamed of becoming a police officer. Raised in Schaefferstown, Lebanon County, he graduated from ELCO High School before earning a degree in Criminal Justice from Penn State University.

 

On August 14, 1980, Kerry Nye was officially sworn in as a police officer with the Lititz Borough Police Department—the only department he would ever serve. Over the following decades, he rose through the ranks: promoted to sergeant in 1994 and ultimately sworn in as Chief of Police on May 31, 2016, officially assuming the role on June 11 of that year. He served under four police chiefs before becoming one himself.

 

During his career, Chief Nye was known for his commitment to community policing, his calm and friendly leadership, and his tireless presence at the many events that make Lititz special—from the Rotary Craft Show to parades, festivals, and emergency services fundraisers. He spearheaded the department’s first Bike Patrol, which remains active to this day, and was recognized as Officer of the Year in 2004. His career spanned a remarkable era in Lititz, encompassing everything from tragic accidents to bizarre occurrences like a massive sinkhole—experiences that shaped both the borough and its police force.

 

Upon his retirement, Chief Nye’s badge number, 25101, was officially retired—a rare and heartfelt tribute to his enduring impact on the department and the community he loved.

 

Outside of policing, Chief Nye was also a dedicated volunteer and community leader. He served with Boy Scouts Troop 44 for over 30 years and is one of five Eagle Scouts in his family—a group that includes his two sons, his brother, and a nephew. His commitment to shaping young lives reflects the same spirit of service that defined his professional career.

 

Chief Nye moved to Lititz in 1981 and has been a pillar of the community ever since. He and his wife Bonnie (Klahr) have been married for 44 years. Together they raised two sons, Brandon (married to Amy) and Justin (married to Amanda), and are proud grandparents to Owen, Kailey, and Mason.

 

In presenting the award, the Lititz Rotary Club expressed deep appreciation for Chief Nye’s decades of selfless service, leadership, and personal integrity. His legacy as a dedicated officer and community builder is deeply woven into the fabric of Lititz.

 

The Rotary Club is honored to recognize Chief Kerry Nye as a Paul Harris Fellow, a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplifies the ideals of service, leadership, and community commitment.