City council says goodbye to Police Chief Smith
LOCK HAVEN, PA – Lock Haven City Council Monday night devoted a portion of its meeting to recognizing Police Chief Kristin Smith for her better than 20 years’ service with the police department. The first woman to achieve the rank of chief, she will be retiring down effective Dec. 23.
Smith became the second woman to join the police force at the time of her hire in 2002 and worked her way through the ranks to the chief’s position.
City officials offered words of praise for her performance. Mayor Joel Long said he was happy and proud for her. City Manager Greg Wilson said, “She will be missed by all those who work and serve with her.” The city manager noted the retiring chief is an avid collector of fountain pens and a prolific letter-writer. For the city’s retirement gift, he presented her with a one-of-kind fountain pen created by artist Todd Eastman of Heirloom Woodturnings of Spartanburg, PA. It is, Wilson said, “unique as she is to the city,” having served as the first woman to earn the title Chief.
The new Chief of Police will be current assistant chief Matt Rickard. He will assume his duties on Dec. 24 with a ceremonial swearing-in on Jan. 9, council’s next meeting. Smith meanwhile confirmed to The Record she will be running for the Mill Hall area Magisterial District Judgeship next year. A candidacy announcement is expected sometime in January.
Council unanimously approved a resolution honoring her:
RESOLUTION HONORING THE SERVICE OF KRISTIN SMITH TO THE CITY OF LOCK HAVEN
WHEREAS; Kristin K. Smith has announced her intention to retire from active service with the City of Lock Haven on December 23, 2022; and
WHEREAS; Kristin K. Smith was first hired by the city as an entry-level patrol officer on September 16, 2002; and
WHEREAS; through her knowledge of public safety and performance in law enforcement she excelled among her peers becoming The first woman to earn the title of Corporal in the City The first woman to earn the title of Sergeant in the City The first woman to earn the title and be appointed to the position of Chief of Police of the City of Lock Haven;
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE LOCK HAVEN DOES ADOPT THIS RESOLUTION proclaiming its gratitude on behalf of the community for the 7,404 days Chief Kristin Smith will have served enforcing the laws of the United States, of this Commonwealth, and of the City of Lock Haven for the betterment of all City residents.
