Reading Announces Hiring Of New Police Chief

READING, MA — Deputy Chief Christine Amendola has been chosen by the Reading Select Board to serve as the town's next police chief.

She will take over following the retirement of David Clark, who served the town for 32 years.

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"I knew at the age of 11 that I wanted to become a police officer," Amendola wrote in her letter of interest in the position in August. "Growing up, I watched my hero — my grandfather — go to work every day as a Boston Police Officer. He was the kindest, funniest and most helpful man I have ever known. To me, he represented what being a police officer was all about — helping others, keeping people safe, and making a difference in someone's life when they needed you

"As I look toward the future of the Reading Police Department, I believe our greatest responsibility is to continue building an organization where people want to work, where employees are proud of the service they provide, and where our community remains confident in its police department."

Amendola received her bachelor's degree in criminal justice in 2015 from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and earned a master's degree in criminal justice in 2024 from the American Military Institute.

She joined the Reading Police Department in 2006 as a patrol officer and served as a field training officer and rape aggression defense instructor. She was promoted to sergeant in 2014, lieutenant in 2016 and deputy chief in 2021, according to the statement.

Amendola is a decorated U.S. Army combat veteran who served as a military police officer. She has received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal for her contribution to Operation Enduring Freedom during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010 and 2011.

"Deputy Amendola is a distinguished police officer, public servant, war hero, mentor and role model, and we are fortunate to have such a qualified candidate for Chief of Police waiting in our ranks," Town Manager Jayne Wellman said in a statement.

Amendola is expected to begin in her new role immediately after Clark's retirement in May.