Forest W.S. Rothchild. PHOTO PROVIDED

The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners announce in a news release Thursday the appointment of Forest W.S. Rothchild as Director of Public Safety.

Mr. 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. “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.”

Mr. Rothchild holds a Master of Science in Emergency and Crisis Management from the University

of Central Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and General Studies from Thomas Edison

State University. He is a proud member of Omicron Sigma Sigma and Epsilon Pi Phi honor

societies, recognitions that reflect his academic dedication to the emergency management

profession. His certifications span FEMA’s National Incident Management System (NIMS),

HSEEP exercise design, FAA Part 107 Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) operations, and

interoperable emergency communications.

His career 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.

Beyond his public safety credentials, Mr. Rothchild brings an uncommon depth to community

engagement. A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, he spent years in the hospitality

and private-sector operations world before answering the call to full-time public service —

experience that sharpened his skills in resource management, community relations, and

operational logistics at scale.

“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.”

Mr. 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.