Smith to retire as Lock Haven police chief; Rickard likely successor

LOCK HAVEN, PA – Word came at Monday night’s Lock Haven City Council meeting that Police Chief Kristin Smith is retiring from that position in late December, with the intention to run for the post of Mill Hall area district judge in 2023, should that position open up.

Chief Smith, in a July 1 letter to City Manager Greg Wilson, told of her “intended retirement at the end of year,” and thanked the city manager and city council for the opportunity to serve as chief. She is a 20-year member of the force. In her letter she said there “have been many new challenges…and I believe as a team we successfully navigated through the tough times.”

Her letter also praised “the anticipated appointment of Matthew Rickard” as the next chief, terming such a move “the right decision to enhance the teamwork necessary to lead the next generation of police officers.”

City Manager Wilson at the Monday meeting announced the promotion of Rickard to assistant chief, effective Labor Day, with the intention that he will follow Smitch as chief at the end of the year. Rickard, from the Hublersburg area, will be paid $68,900, according to a letter provided to him by the city manager, offering Rickard the position.

John Maggs is the longtime district judge from the Mill Hall area. He has made no public announcement about any intentions to seek reelection next year.

(Editor’s note: This story has been revised to term the police chief’s departure from City Hall as an “intended retirement” rather than a “stepping down” as the original story had characterized her pending departure; the change made per her request, based on the contents of her letter to the city manager. The record-online apologizes for any confusion the initial version may have caused).