Derek Koch, the new chief of police for the Elizabethtown Police Department, is looking forward to serving close to home.

"I've worked in the law enforcement field for over 27 years," he said. "However, I never worked directly in my home community. My family and I reside in Elizabethtown, and as a result, I have a vested interest in the community and its citizens. The opportunity to serve the Elizabethtown community as its chief of police provides me with a direct way to help make Elizabethtown a safer, better place to live."

Koch was sworn in as chief on Jan. 2. He said he has two main goals for his new position: to ensure the members of the Elizabethtown community are provided with exemplary, professional service, and to help improve the overall quality of life within Elizabethtown Borough.

Koch grew up in Pine Grove in Schuylkill County. He and his wife moved to the area in 1999 for his first assignment with the Pennsylvania State Police in Lancaster. He has served with the Dauphin County Probation and Parole Department, with the York City Police Department and most recently as a troop commander with the Pennsylvania State Police. Additionally, he has supplemented his law enforcement experience with his time as a commissioned officer with the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.

Koch wants to strengthen the relationship between the police and the community. "My goal is to have the officers of the Elizabethtown Police Department be visible and present within the community on a daily basis and to create opportunities for community members to interact with and get to know our officers," he said. "In addition, I personally intend to form partnerships with community leaders and maintain an open line of communication with them to facilitate a strong bond between the community and the department."

Koch said he loves the charm and diversity of Elizabethtown. "We have a small-town feel, but we also have access to a lot of wonderful businesses and amenities," he remarked. "I have great admiration for the people of Elizabethtown. Our community is kind and friendly, and we take great pride in making Elizabethtown a great place to live."

He acknowledges that he will face challenges in his new role, noting that obstacles facing Elizabethtown are common in many small towns, and he's ready to take action where needed. "My biggest challenges as the chief of police will be guided by the obstacles we face as a community," he said. "It would be premature for me to prioritize those difficulties before having an opportunity to meet with community leaders and get a pulse on what the police department is doing well and where it needs to improve."

When he's not at work, Koch enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. "I'm a huge sports fan, so in my free time, I enjoy attending sporting events and participating in recreational sports," he said, adding that he also loves working out and spending time outdoors.

As he settles into his new position, Koch is optimistic about the future. "As a borough resident, I look forward to bringing my leadership, dedication and strong commitment to the community," he said. "I believe strongly that together we can continue to be a welcoming and safe community for visitors and residents."