Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief of Staff Bill Baker joined with city and state officials and the Springfield Police Department for the Oath of Office Ceremony for Springfield Police Superintendent Lawrence E. Akers today at Symphony Hall.
Earlier this year, on January 15, 2024 – Martin Luther King Jr. Day – Mayor Sarno announced his selection of Deputy Chief Lawrence “Larry” Akers to succeed now retired Police Superintendent Cheryl Clapprood. Akers is a 38-year SPD veteran and will be the first African-American top cop in the City of Springfield’s history. Superintendent Akers will take the oath of office tomorrow at a public ceremony held at Symphony Hall.
Mayor Sarno states, “This is a proud and historic day in the City of Springfield as we join for the official swearing in of Lawrence “Larry” Akers as the City of Springfield’s Police Superintendent making him the first African-American top cop in the city’s history. Always the gentleman, a good man, good cop and a good leader, Larry has been so devoted to our community for his nearly 40 years of service to our SPD. I have the utmost confidence in his ability to continue to lead our brave and dedicated men and women of the Springfield Police Department forward for the betterment of our community. This is another milestone and another first my administration is proud to usher in.”
“I have witnessed firsthand and I am very impressed with Deputy Chief, now Superintendent Akers’ street command presence dealing with some very difficult situations and just as important his compassion and empathy he exhibits to all in our community. He has been an integral part of my community stakeholder’s roundtable team meetings and not only has the respect of the rank and file under his command, but just as important our Springfield community. This will lead to a smooth transition, especially as we continue to implement Police Superintendent Clapprood’s and DOJ’s initiatives and reforms. Now Superintendent Akers will make his own mark and establish his own vision to move our Springfield Police Department forward.”
“Larry comes from a great family, he is a second-generation Springfield police officer following in the footsteps of his father, Charles E. Akers, who served our Springfield for over 29 years. He will continue to serve our community with courage, honor, professionalism, and compassion. Congratulations to Superintendent Akers!
A High School of Commerce Graduate, Akers has been a lifelong Springfield resident. Captain Akers holds a Bachelors’ Degree in Criminal Justice and has been a recipient of the Frank Murphy Medal of Valor.
