The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners announce in a news release Thursday the appointment of Forest W.S. Rothchild as director of public safety.

Rothchild brings more than two decades of distinguished service spanning law enforcement, emergency management, military service, and public safety leadership to this pivotal role, the news release said.

“We conducted a thorough national search for a leader who could bring both the operational expertise and the community-centered vision our county deserves,” said the Board of Commissioners, according to the news release. “Forest’s record of building cohesive, resilient public safety systems — across law enforcement, fire service, and emergency management — is exactly what Lycoming County needs moving forward. We are confident he will be an exceptional addition to our team and our community.”

Rothchild holds a master’s degree in emergency and crisis management from the University of Central Florida and a bachelor’s degree from Thomas Edison State University.

His career, the news release said, “is defined by service at every level — as a conservation law enforcement officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, a public information officer, a certified public safety diver and dive team instructor, a volunteer fire and rescue leader, and a captain in the Florida State Guard. He has responded to hurricanes, mass casualty incidents, and complex multi-agency operations, consistently demonstrating the calm, decisive leadership that demanding emergency environments require. Earlier in his career, Mr. Rothchild also served in the United States Army.”

“I am deeply honored to join the Lycoming County family,” said Director-Designate Rothchild. “This region’s commitment to its communities — its fire service volunteers, its law enforcement professionals, and the residents they serve every day — is exactly why my wife Stacey and I chose to make Lycoming County our home. I look forward to working alongside Chief Kreiner, Deputy Chief Schramm, and the entire public safety team to build on the strong foundation already in place.”

Rothchild and his wife Stacey are relocating from Florida to the Williamsport area. Avid outdoor enthusiasts, they are eager to explore the region’s natural beauty — including the renowned Black Forest Trail and the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon along Pine Creek — accompanied by their dog, Rivet.

“More than anything, they are looking forward to becoming active members of the Lycoming County community, not simply as its newest public servants, but as its newest neighbors,” the news release said.