When he likely retires in 4½ years, Clarence Tucker will remember Dec. 1, 2016, for two reasons:
It was his birthday; he turned 55.
And he got to spend it with his family inside Akron Fire Station No. 7 as Mayor Dan Horrigan swore in the 28-year firefighter as the 19th Fire Chief and only the second African-American to lead the fire department in its 180-year history.
With such reasons to celebrate, though, Thursday may be only the second most memorable day in Tucker’s career. The most memorable day would explain why Horrigan picked Tucker from a list of nine “outstanding” candidates.
“I can remember, vividly, delivering a baby,” Tucker said of the most unforgettable day on the job. He recalled racing out to Thornton Street in 1994. “In all the other calls for pregnant women, we were able to get them to the hospital first … That was awesome. I’ve only experienced that once.”
“How does that compare to today?” Clarence asked himself after being sworn in Thursday. “Today is a blessing for me and the fire department as a whole, I think. But helping someone — helping someone really in need — is the type of feeling that you enjoy for a lifetime. I’ll never forget it.”
Akron’s new chief takes office Monday. Tucker will succeed Larry Bunner, a former chief who came out of retirement after Edward Hiltbrand retired in September 2015 after a 32-year career.
Tucker’s selection is backed by city leaders, elected officials, colleagues at the fire department and the firefighter’s union.
“I think the membership of the Local 330 is very happy with this selection,” said Russ Brode, president of the Akron Fire Fighters Association Local 330. “Not only is Clarence well qualified, he has the heart for the job.”
In accepting the highest post at the fire department, Tucker thanked his family for their support, his co-workers for every day “putting their lives on the line” and the community for its trust.
“I pledge to you,” Tucker said in an address to Akron, “that we will treat you with dignity and respect.”
“He truly means it when he says the trust has been given to us from the community and that he’ll be sure that it is never broken,” Brode said.
Tucker’s co-workers called him a “good guy” who is “down to earth” and “very honest.”
Whenever he needs a straight answer, “I’m asking Clarence because I know he’s going to tell the truth,” said Ken Meyn, a fire inspector with the department for 26 years.
Tucker currently manages the fire prevention bureau. He graduated from Malone University with a degree in business management and is certified in executive fire service management through Cleveland’s Executive Development Institute. He is on track for a certification as an executive fire officer through the National Fire Academy.
His salary will be $111,987, a city spokesperson said. In a deferred retirement option plan, Tucker is expected to retire in 2021, triggering a search for his replacement.
“This selection process was very competitive as the Akron Fire Department is blessed with outstanding leaders from top to bottom,” Horrigan said. “In Clarence I found an immensely prepared leader with an enormous heart for his community. The knowledge and experience built up over his 28 years will provide strong and steady leadership. And his passion and dedication will ensure that every Akron resident receives the highest level of care and customer service to set the tone for the Akron Fire Department for years to come.”
In the current climate and “in the years to come,” Akron firefighters are doing more than putting out fires, they are first responders fighting lethal drug overdoses with life-saving antidotes.
“The fire service is facing new and tremendous challenges in cities across the country,” said Horrigan.”And Akron is on the front lines of these challenges … of domestic preparedness and the opioid epidemic.”
On his birthday, Tucker sounded ready for that challenge.
The increase in the overdose deaths and calls is alarming,” Tucker said of the city’s most pressing issue for the department. “We have to do something to help our people who are hurting. And the way I see it, if we don’t address this issue, it’s just going to continue to grow. We have to address it as a team effort with the hospitals with public health with the police department. And as a collaborative effort, we need to figure out the best way to help these people.”
Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow on Twitter: @ABJDoug .
