3-28-2025 4:35am

F. Richard 'Rick' Drumheller Named Boyertown Area 2025 Citizen of the Year

Lesley Misko Editor

by Lesley Misko

He never set out to be in the spotlight, but F. Richard "Rick" Drumheller’s dedication to serving his community has made him an undeniable pillar of the Boyertown area and beyond. From his early days as an energetic student at Boyertown Area Senior High (BASH) to his newly elected role as magisterial district justice, Drumheller’s journey has been shaped by hard work and perseverance, and the guidance of mentors and loved ones.

Destined To Wear a Badge

In 1976 Drumheller graduated from BASH, where he was a good student— though active and a bit impish at times. He vividly recalls a pivotal moment in his 10th-grade homeroom when his teacher, Mr. Donald Grim, handed him a brochure about the state police hiring process. “He said he thought I’d make a good police officer,” Drumheller remembers. “We talked about it, and he helped me believe that I had the qualities that really could enable me to pursue a law enforcement career.”

Encouraged by Grim’s support, Drumheller pursued an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Law at Reading Area Community College. However, he put his plans for a law enforcement career on hold, choosing to work at the Boyertown Casket Company to support his wife through earning a nursing education. When police positions opened around a decade later, he seized the opportunity, joining the Pottstown Police Department in November 1988. It was the start of a remarkable 30-year career in law enforcement.

Throughout his career, Drumheller remained deeply appreciative of those who had encouraged him along the way. Mr. Grim continued to follow his progress, sending notes of encouragement over the years. “He was one of the people who set an example in my life,” Drumheller says. “Don Grim gave to me for the love of seeing me succeed. His reward was my success.”

Drumheller also credits his wife, a fellow BASH graduate from the class of 1982, as a key figure in his journey. Married in 1983, she has been his steadying force. “She’s level-headed and supportive,” he says. “We were best friends, and we still are. We have spent our lives together.”

Rising through the ranks of the Pottstown Police Department, Drumheller eventually took on the role of police chief-- a position he describes as the most challenging of his career. “It created a great deal of pressure because, in the end, I was responsible for everything,” he explains. Despite the weight of leadership, he remained committed to his work and his community. Even as a Pottstown officer, he always lived in the Boyertown area and took great pride in working on the 2020 merger that unified the Boyertown and Colebrookdale police departments.

After retiring from the police force, Drumheller’s dedication to service led him down a new path. In November 2023, he was elected magisterial district justice, overseeing cases in Colebrookdale, Douglass, Earl, Hereford, and Washington townships, as well as Bally, Bechtelsville, and Boyertown. Though not one for politics, he was grateful to have been cross-filed, allowing voters from both parties to support him. “I was proud to win on both tickets,” he says.

Drumheller approaches his new role with the same integrity and empathy that defined his police career. “I like the understanding that comes from hearing both sides of a story,” he says. “It’s an opportunity to truly help people out.” His experience in law enforcement, he believes, has equipped him well, giving him strong insight into people’s honesty and motivations.

Coaching Future Generations

Beyond his career, Drumheller has also been an active figure in the community. His service began as a coach for Pine Forge T-Ball, which eventually gave him the opportunity to coach his sons in various divisions, including Pine Forge’s under-13 minors and majors. He also coached the Pine Forge All-Star Team; it functioned as a travel team. Later, he took on the head coaching role for the tri-county Pine Forge baseball team for 13- to 15-year-olds, continuing to mentor young athletes and instill in them the values of teamwork and perseverance.

Drumheller’s love for sports extended beyond coaching. He played in the Boyertown Softball League for over a decade and also coached church softball teams for both Shepherd of the Hills Church and New Hanover Methodist Church. His community involvement stretched into other areas: he spent 10 years serving as a Boyertown Halloween Parade judge, first under the Jaycees and later under the leadership of Lynn Levan.

His dedication has not gone unnoticed. He received the Deke Santillo Award from the Fraternal Order of Police for his years of community service to the Police Athletic League (PAL). The FBI awarded him a Director’s Letter for his role in coordinating a funeral service for an agent killed in the line of duty. His commitment to PAL and youth baseball was honored when a baseball field was named after him in recognition of his volunteer service. In 1992, he was named Pottstown Police Officer of the Year, and his service to both the police department and the community has earned him a collection of commendations.

Caught Off Guard

Despite his many accomplishments, Drumheller was caught off guard when he learned he had been named Citizen of the Year. Longtime friend Mark Malizzi surprised him with the news, asking Drumheller about his plans for April 12. When Drumheller mentioned it is a weekend and he doesn’t work weekends, Malizzi told Drumheller he would be busy attending the Citizen of the Year event in his honor.

“I’ve always been very reserved; as a cop, you keep to yourself,” Drumheller says. “But the more I thought about it, I got very emotional. I still don’t know who nominated me. I don’t like credit; I prefer to work behind the scenes.”

That humility underscores everything for which Drumheller stands. “I don't do what I do for any fame or fortune. I do it for love of community and the enjoyment of seeing others succeed. Quite frankly, the idea of getting an award for something that was taught to me by my parents seems strange. Helping others is a noble cause.”

Drumheller describes himself as “a very simple person. I enjoy my family and that is who I strive for. I try to set an example they can strive for and be proud of.” His marriage of 41 years is central to that foundation. Of his wife, he says, “She is my best friend, and her dedication to our family allows me to do what I do.”

Looking ahead, Drumheller sees his recognition not as a conclusion, but as motivation to continue his work. “I am surrounded by wonderful people from my community and church. I’m blessed with a wonderful family, including my work family. I truly thank God for the path he has allowed me to walk. I’d prefer to operate behind the scenes, but on occasion it is nice to be acknowledged for hard work. This award will not end my dedication to this community. It will only fuel me to do more.”

For Richard Drumheller, that philosophy has shaped a lifetime of service, leadership, and a quiet but profound impact on the community he calls home.