Deputy Chief Lawrence Akers has served the city of Springfield as a police officer for 37 years. A High School of Commerce Graduate, Akers has been a lifelong Springfield resident. Akers has served in several different assignments most recently overseeing the Metro Unit as well as overseeing the Springfield Police Honor Guard. Prior to that assignment Akers became the first supervisor to serve in the Gaming Enforcement Unit.
“I am proud to announce this promotion and have Deputy Chief Akers join our command staff. I have asked a lot of him over these past few years, and he has always come through for our department,” said Superintendent Clapprood. She continues, “He has the respect of our officers and has worn many hats during this career that started back in 1986. His accolades during these nearly 40 years speak for itself. I know that Larry will help our command staff succeed during these challenging times. As a second-generation officer I know his would father be extremely proud of how far he has come. Congratulations!”
Mayor Sarno states, “I’m very happy to send congratulations to newly minted Deputy Chief Larry Akers. Always the gentleman…a good man, a good cop, and a good leader. He comes from a great family and I know he’ll continue to serve all in our community with courage, professionalism, and compassion.
Akers has served as a Captain in the Squad and a supervisor in the Special Victims Unit. Akers was a long-serving member of the department’s Traffic and Motorcycle Unit. During the 2021 Ride to Remember Akers helped escort the riders on a police motorcycle. To our knowledge he is the first Captain to ride one of our Harley’s in an official capacity.
In 2022 at the Ride to Remember Akers was again providing a motorcycle escort for the bicyclists when he saw Sgt. Edward VanZandt pulled off to the side of the road. He immediately checked to see if the Sergeant was in need of help. Sgt. VanZandt initially discounted his need for help but Akers training and experience told him otherwise. Realizing that Sgt. VanZandt was experiencing a medical emergency Captain Akers summoned an ambulance. VanZandt credit Akers for saving his life and the department honored Akers with a life-saving award at their 2022 Awards Ceremony.
A second-generation Springfield Police Officer, Akers’ father Charles E. Akers served the city for 29 years retiring in 1987. Captain Akers holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice and has been a recipient of the Frank Murphy Medal of Valor.
