Akron Fire to Celebrate New Promotions

Captain Sierjie Lash becomes first female AFD District Chief in city's history

Akron, Ohio, August, 2, 2024 - Today, the Akron Fire Department is announcing several leadership promotions. Firefighters Spencer Lindsay, Jonathan Marshall, Zachary Skelly, John Jennings, and Robert Treichel have been promoted to Lieutenant. Lieutenants David Tenney and Matthew Claflin have been promoted to Captain. Captain Sierjie Lash has been promoted to District Chief and District Chief Scott Pascu has been promoted to Deputy Chief.

"I'm pleased to announce the newest promotions within the Akron Fire Department," said Akron Fire Chief Leon Henderson. "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."

This round of promotions is historic for the City of Akron as this is the first time in the city's history that a woman has reached the rank of District Chief in the Akron Fire Department.

"Leadership positions within our public safety departments carry with them some of the most responsibility of any role in our city," said Mayor Malik. "It's a privilege to serve and I know each of these individuals take that duty 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. 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."

A ceremonial swearing in celebration will take place on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the Akron Summit County Main Library at 1pm.