2024-02-21 01:57:00
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) – In just a few months, Springfield Police will have a new superintendent, the department’s current deputy chief. But, as he is reaching retirement age himself, the city council had to decide tonight on whether or not to exempt the future superintendent from a long-standing age requirement.
Like much of Massachusetts, the Springfield Police Department has a mandatory retirement age of 65, but following tonight’s meeting, their newest superintendent will stay on the force even following his 65th birthday.
“The special act is approved. Congratulations, deputy!”
On Tuesday, the Springfield City Council unanimously voted to exempt current Deputy Chief Lawrence Akers from a long-standing bylaw that mandates a police officer’s retirement at age 65.
“My question to you is do you still want to work until you’re 70 years old? I know that’s a very stressful job,” said Councilor Zaida Govan.
In January, the 38-year department veteran was selected to become the city’s next police superintendent come April when the city’s current superintendent, Cheryl Clapprood reaches the current mandatory retirement age of 65.
With her successor, just one year younger, under the current bylaw, would also be forced to retire by the end of the year. In light of this, the city council met Tuesday to discuss changing the ordinance.
“All we’re simply saying is that he can work until age 70 and I don’t think that’s all that controversial,” added Councilor Sean Curran.
The second-generation Springfield police officer said he wants to serve the city for as long as he’s able to.
“I want what’s best for the city and I want what’s best for the department and I want what’s best for all the residents,” expressed Deputy Chief Akers.
“He’s going to tackle the issues that face the city of Springfield and we’re lucky he is willing to do that,” said Councilor Curran. “And I certainly support that effort.”
After much conversation surrounding what raising the age would mean for Akers’ retirement funds, prompting City Councilor Zaida Govan to propose postponing the vote.
“It’ll give us some time to give us some answers and it’ll give Deputy Chief Akers, future Superintendent Akers if we wants to be, time to also get answers,” noted Councilor Govan.
But instead, city councilors ultimately decided to go ahead with a vote and unanimously agreed Akers is the right person for the job, regardless of age.
“He has the pinnacle of his career and now has agreed, and we’re lucky that he has, to take on a department that faces so many challenges,” added Councilor Curran.
As standard practice among all of the city’s police superintendents, Akers and his family will have to move back to Springfield, a move Akers said he’s happy to make.
2024. Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.
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