New Lycoming County director of public safety introduced; calls for emergency preparedness collaboration

The commissioners introduced Forrest Rochow as Lycoming County’s incoming director of public safety and welcomed him to the region. Rochow said he will be on site full time in April and that he has already begun outreach with local emergency medical services, EMA and law enforcement to coordinate planning.

Rochow suggested the possibility of training for animal awareness and evacuation and first aid for youth groups that work with animals. "If there's the opportunity to learn about the program and see about maybe doing some training with the next generation, I'd love to maybe touch base with the folks later on to see about doing some animal awareness, how to do animal evacuation in times of crisis along with some first aid training," he said.

Rochow also thanked commissioners and community members for welcoming his family and said he is eager to work with local responders. Commissioners expressed appreciation and said they look forward to Rochow’s full arrival and continued coordination with police, fire and EMS.