Akron Fire Chief Ed Hiltbrand Announces Retirement

AKRON, OH — After three decades of service to the citizens of Akron, Fire Chief Ed Hiltbrand announced his retirement. His last day will be September 3rd, 2016. Chief Hiltbrand entered the fire department in 1985 and successfully moved through the ranks. He was promoted to Lieutenant in August of 1995, Captain in May of 1998, District Chief in July of 1999, and Deputy Chief in July of 2003 - ultimately earning the division's top spot as Fire Chief in 2015. "Chief Hiltbrand is a true professional who is highly respected by his peers," remarked Mayor Horrigan. "His leadership and dedication to the Akron Fire Department and the citizens of this city will be sorely missed. He leaves behind a strong legacy of service to his community." Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Charles Brown added, "Chief Hiltbrand has steered the department through hiring grants. promotions, and was able to provide the Firefighter/Medics with new state of the art equipment that keeps them safer and helps them better serve the community." Chief Hiltbrand shared. "In understanding the great responsibilities of the Akron Fire Department to the community, I am honored to have worked with this organization. I have enjoyed my career with the Akron Fire Department and am grateful for the opportunity to serve and retire as their Fire Chief." Mayor Horrigan said he will immediately begin the process of identifying the Chiefs successor.