AKRON, Ohio — The search for the next Akron police chief and fire chief will be conducted with internal candidates only, according to Mayor Shammas Malik.
While the city has been actively searching for a new police chief, the fire chief spot is now open due to the upcoming retirement of Joseph Natko.
During a press conference on Monday, Malik explained that state law mandates that "when there is a vacancy above the entry level in safety forces, that must be filled internally." Akron's city charter adds that promotions should occur internally "wherever practicable."
Malik says the city's law office and outside counsel have been reviewing the statutes for the last two months.
"This certainly came as a surprise to me," Malik added. "The city has had two prior police chiefs who were appointed externally. As we began this process last fall, I believed we would have the opportunity to do the same. I am acting based on the best legal advice that I have today. I believe the previous administrations were acting on the best understanding that they had at the time."
What's next in the police chief search?
Malik explained that the city has two options: to put the search on hold until a new charter amendment can go on the ballot in November, or engage in an internal-only search for candidates within the Akron Police Department.
"While I had hoped to cast the broadest possible net in this process, I don't think its wise or desirable to wait until November or longer to fill this role permanently. So we have decided to move forward with an internal-only search," Malik explained.
The city will only be accepting applications from deputy chiefs or captains. If all the deputy chiefs in the department apply, captains would then be excluded, Malik added. The deadline to apply will be March 18.
Akron currently has two deputy police chiefs: Brian Harding and Jesse Leeser.
Malik says the city will plan to put a charter amendment on the ballot in November that addresses hiring of police and fire positions in greater detail.
In September 2023, former Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett announced that he was resigning at the end of the year. Mylett served as chief for two years, which was largely overshadowed by the death of Jayland Walker.
Since Mylett's resignation, Harding has been serving as Akron's acting police chief.
During a press conference on January 25, Mayor Malik announced the city had opened up the application for Akron's next police chief.
"The ideal candidate for the next Chief of Police will be capable of inspiring trust and confidence in all of Akron's diverse communities, as well as earning the respect and confidence of both sworn and civilian employees," said Mayor Malik in a January press conference. "We are looking for someone who is well-versed in community-oriented policing and has a proven reputation for being accessible and transparent while building partnerships between the department and the community to address crime and quality of life challenges. I look forward to reviewing the survey feedback we receive from both our residents and our Akron Police employees to better inform our search process."
Akron Fire Department changes
In addition to the search for a new police chief, Malik will also be conducting an internal search for the next chief of the Akron Fire Department.
After 33 years with the department, Akron Fire Chief Joseph Natko will be retiring effective on March 22. Natko will join Malik's administration as assistant to the mayor for emergency management.
Deputy Fire Chief Steven Kaut will serve as the acting chief during the search period.
“I want to thank Chief Natko for his exemplary career with the Akron Fire Department,” said Malik in a statement. “I’m pleased he has agreed to stay on in a new capacity with the administration focusing on planning for the unexpected, from natural disasters, to pandemics, to mass shootings, and beyond. His experience in this field will be invaluable and will better prepare the city for any and all emergency situations.”
Kaut has been a member of the Akron Fire Department for over 31 years.
“I’m honored to take on the role of Acting Chief of the Akron Fire Department,” said Deputy Chief Kaut. “As a lifelong Akron resident, serving the residents of this community alongside the fantastic men and women of this department is a privilege that I don’t take for granted. My goal will be to lead an efficient department and continue make the city a safe place for our residents and visitors.”
You can watch Monday's briefing in the player below: