Akron seeks internal candidate for police chief, announces fire chief's move to new role

External candidates will no longer be considered to fill the role of Akron police chief, Akron Mayor Shammas Malik announced Monday.

Malik said at a news conference at the Oliver Ocasek Building that because of a state law prohibiting external candidates from filling vacancies above entry-level positions in city safety forces, the search for a new police chief will now be limited to internal candidates.

Also Monday, Malik said Fire Chief Joe Natko is retiring from the department this month after 33 years of service; Deputy Chief Steven Kaut will serve as acting chief until a replacement is named. The city will conduct an internal search for the fire chief role as well, Malik said.

Police chief search will conform to state, city guidelines

Malik's decision regarding the police chief search is the result of the best legal advice available to him, he said, from inside his administration and outside counsel.

"I do believe that previous administrations were acting on the best understanding they had at the time," Malik said.

A public official who hires in violation of the rule can be removed from office as a consequence, Malik said.

The state law in question was brought to the administration's attention while the city was investigating a personnel matter at the Akron Fire Department.

Malik said he was surprised to learn about the state law's stipulations. Because two external hires were previously named police chief — one during Dan Horrigan's administration and one during Don Plusquellic's — Malik said he believed his administration would have the same opportunity.

"Our city charter could trump that state law," Malik said, "however, our city charter states that promotions should occur internally 'whenever practicable.'"

Of the options available — suspend the search until a charter amendment can be put on the November ballot addressing the issue or leave acting police chief Brian Harding in his role for almost a year — Malik said the right move is appointing someone internally.

In the meantime, the administration is reviewing hiring practices across the state and intends to bring a charter amendment in November that addresses the conflict.

The firm hired to assist with the search will still do so.

The administration has extended the deadline for applications until March 18. The only people eligible to apply are deputy chiefs and captains.

If multiple deputy chiefs apply, no captains can be considered — removing the opportunity to hire a minority candidate into the chief role.

While the decision slows the process, Malik said he intends to fill the position quickly.

Fire Chief Joe Natko retiring

Following his retirement from the fire department, Natko will take on a new appointed role in the administration as assistant to the mayor for emergency management.

Natko began his career with the department in March 1991 as a firefighter/medic.

“Serving the residents of Akron has been the honor of my professional lifetime,” said Natko in a news release. "I look forward to taking on the new role of Assistant to the Mayor for Emergency Management and working alongside both Akron Fire and Akron Police as we create and fortify emergency management policies and procedures within the city.”

“I’m pleased he has agreed to stay on in a new capacity with the administration focusing on planning for the unexpected, from natural disasters, to pandemics, to mass shootings, and beyond," said Malik. "His experience in this field will be invaluable and will better prepare the city for any and all emergency situations.”

Deputy Fire Chief Steven Kaut will step into the role of acting chief when Natko retires.

Kaut is a lifelong Akron resident and has served on the fire department for 31 years, as a firefighter, paramedic and company officer before becoming an administrator in 2016.

"My goal will be to lead an efficient department and continue make the city a safe place for our residents and visitors,” Kaut said.

Contact reporter Derek Kreider at DKreider@Gannett.com or 330-541-9413

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron revises police chief search and now needs new fire chief, too