AKRON, Ohio — There is a new leader of the Akron Police Department: Chief Brian Harding. He was sworn in as the city’s new police chief Tuesday morning. Harding explained that this is not a role that he ever thought he would have.

"Never as a 21-year-old University of Akron student working at Swensons to help pay for college did I see myself as your chief of police,” Harding said.

Harding called it a great honor to be the new chief of police, but many community groups across the country were not happy with the decision to give Harding this title. Mayor Shammas Malik said that it has not been a smooth road to getting to where they are today. There was a lot of pushback following Malik’s announcement a few months ago that the new chief of police would be hired internally. Malik expressed that he does believe Harding is the right man for this job.

“A man of integrity. His passion for public service is evident to anyone that spends time with him. He takes pride in this department and in his service to the residents,” Malik said.

Harding expressed he hopes the community lets his actions as the new chief speak for themselves, and he hopes the community gives him a chance. Harding emphasized some of his priorities, including community engagement and the leaders in his department.

“Being partners with the people we serve every day, but really being really purposeful and intentional about trying to get the most diverse, but best officers we can get,” Harding said.

Harding has been a part of the Akron Police Department since 1995 and explained what he would tell his younger self, who was just starting out.

“Lead with your heart, continue to try and be a people person, take every interaction and treat every body with dignity and respect,” Harding said.