Lycoming County honors Sheriff Mark Lusk on retirement after more than 50 years of service

The Lycoming County Board of Commissioners formally recognized Sheriff Mark Lusk on Dec. 16 with a citation honoring more than 50 years of public service spanning patrol work, criminal investigation, firefighting, coroner duties and his tenure as sheriff.

Sheriff Lusk received the citation during the commissioners' meeting and addressed the board and audience, thanking colleagues and recounting his career. "Our mission as a sheriff's office is a mission that is second to no mission anywhere," he said, stressing courthouse safety and the daily work of deputies. He cited his office's courthouse-screening operations and statistics, noting hundreds of thousands of screenings and thousands of confiscated weapons over many years.

Multiple local officials and community members offered tributes. A Pennsylvania House citation honoring Lusk's record was read during the meeting and will be printed for him. Speakers highlighted Lusk's leadership during regional floods and his long involvement in volunteer fire service; one speaker said Lusk "has been a trusted friend that this county can count on."

Sheriff Lusk introduced Sheriff-elect Eric Spiegel and named Kili Mahoski as his chief deputy, describing them as part of a planned transition. "He's been my chief for the last 5 years, and he will be your sheriff," Lusk said of Spiegel; Mahoski was named as the incoming number two.

The board paused regular business to permit photo opportunities with family and staff and to receive online public comments in support of Lusk. The meeting then resumed its agenda items.