MONTICELLO, NY — Rick Sauer, a former New York State trooper with 30 years of experience, has been named as the Sullivan County Commissioner of Public Safety.

Sauer retired from the force last year, where he was one of the creators of the Contaminated Crime Scene Emergency Response Team. He also served in the Counter-Intelligence Unit and in various other capacities.

A resident of Liberty, in his new post he oversees the E-911 Center, Bureau of Fire, Emergency Training Facility, Bureau of EMS and Emergency Management.

He said, “This county is my home, and I’m always looking for a challenge. I enjoy the adrenaline, the teamwork, and trying different approaches.”

“I look forward to working closely with Rick to protect the public we serve and enhance their safety,” said Sullivan County Manager Josh Potosek, who had been serving as the acting commissioner since January 2017. “He is an extremely competent, dedicated and intelligent professional of integrity who is already an asset to Sullivan County.”