Akron Fire Chief Clarence Tucker promoted to deputy mayor for public safety

Akron Fire Chief Clarence Tucker will assume the role of the city's new deputy mayor for public safety, the mayor's office announced Monday.

"Public service to the city of Akron has been my calling and my passion, and I come to this position humbly and ready to work with our community as well as our public safety forces to help make Akron a safer, better place for all our residents," Tucker said in a written release.

Tucker first joined the Akron Fire Department in 1988 after attending the University of Akron and Malone College, where he studied business administration. He became AFD fire chief in 2016.

"Clarence leads by example with integrity and honesty and always with a community-minded approach," said Mayor Dan Horrigan in a written release. "He has been an outstanding public servant in the city of Akron for 34 years and I can’t imagine a better person than him for this role in this present moment."

Tucker will replace Charles Brown, who announced his retirement in August. He will work to facilitate relations between the mayor's office, public safety forces and the community, as well as make recommendations on policy and procedures to improve public safety.

The position has come under increased scrutiny in recent months following the fatal police shooting of 25-year-old Jayland Walker in June. Protesters convened outside Brown's Ellet home in July demanding he step down from his position.

The city will soon begin its search for its next fire chief.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron fire chief promoted to deputy mayor for public safety