AKRON, Ohio — The City of Akron has announced promotions for various people Akron Fire Department, including the first time a woman has reached the rank of district chief at the department.

What You Need To Know

  • The City of Akron has announced promotions for various people Akron Fire Department

  • This is the first time a woman has reached the rank of district chief at the department

  • Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said serving is a privilege and that all these people take it seriously

  • The city says a swearing in celebration will take place at 1 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the Akron Summit County Main Library

“I’m pleased to announce the newest promotions within the Akron Fire Department,” said Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson in a city press release. “Each one of these individuals has earned their place in our leadership ranks and I could not be prouder of their accomplishments. They will each bring their unique perspectives, talents, and skills to these new roles and I know they will continue to serve the city and its residents well.”

The following firefighters have been promoted to lieutenant:

  • Spencer Lindsay
  • Jonathan Marshall
  • Zachary Skelly
  • John Jennings
  • Robert Treichel

David Tenney and Matthew Claflin were promoted from lieutenant to captain. Sierjie Lash was promoted from captain to district chief, and Scott Pascu was promoted from district chief to deputy chief.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik said serving is a privilege and that all these people take it seriously.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the fire department’s first female District Chief as Captain Lash, who is also African American, receives her promotion,” Malik said in the release. “Little girls across Akron now have an opportunity to see a woman in the top ranks of one our safety forces in a historic first and that’s an incredible achievement for our city. I want to congratulate each of our new leaders including Lieutenants Lindsay, Marshall, Skelly, Jennings, and Treichel; Captains Tenney and Claflin; and District Chief Lash. I want to especially congratulate Deputy Chief Pascu who has served the City of Akron for 29 years working his way up the ranks through his dedication and commitment to our city. These leaders set an extraordinary example for the rest of our department.”  

The city says a swearing in celebration will take place at 1 p.m. on Aug. 8 at the Akron Summit County Main Library.