AKRON, Ohio — Akron Police Chief Steve Mylett will step down from the position at the end of the year, Mylett and Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced Tuesday. 

What You Need To Know

  • The move will be effective Jan. 1, 2024

  • Mylett said he will be taking a job in the private sector and looks forward to having more time with family

  • Horrigan said he will work with the presumptive mayor's team on a search for the next police chief

The move will be effective Jan. 1, 2024. 

“It is with great difficulty that I make this decision to step away, but I do think the time is right based on many different factors,” said Mylett. “I am proud to end my 35 years in policing here in Akron. I want to thank Mayor Horrigan for the privileged opportunity to lead the men and women of the Akron Police Department. I also want to thank the APD employees for welcoming me into the Department and for the exceptional work they do every day. I am proud to be called a member of this agency. Additionally, I want to thank the Akron community for embracing my family and I as we settled in this beautiful city."

Mylett joined the Akron Police Department in August of 2021 after a national search. Mylett currently oversees the department's 454 officers and supervisors and 51 reserve officers. Mylett said he will be taking a positive in the private sector, and looks forward to having more time with his family. 

“I want to thank Chief Mylett for his outstanding, dedicated service to our community through a very trying time,” said Horrigan. “I know Steve to be a man of honor with the utmost care for the communities he has served. Akron was lucky to have him at the helm, and I am grateful to have had him by my side through the last two years. I wish him and his family the best in their future endeavors.”

Horrigan said he plans to work on a search for the next police chief with the presumptive mayor’s transition team.

Mylett, who grew up in Long Island, served in the Air Force prior to his law enforcement career. That came in 1989 in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he steadily moved up the ranks. He became the departments assistant chief of police in 2011, then served as chief of police for the city of Southlake, Texas until 2015. Before joining the Akron Police Department, he also served as chief of the Bellevue, Washington Police Department. 

Mylett has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from Midwestern State University in Texas, as well as a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice Leadership and Management from Sam Houston State University. 

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