Akenra X sworn in as Alliance Police chief
ALLIANCE − The city's Police Department officially has a new top cop.
Akenra X, 62, was sworn in as police chief by Mayor Andy Grove on Wednesday during a ceremony at the city's Firehouse Theatre. His wife, Trisha X, was by his side.
He becomes the first Black police chief in the department's history.
"It's a dream come true," X said afterward. "Because I had said when I first joined the department back in 1995, telling Pam Young, the dispatcher, I wanted to be chief one day. Things fell into place and it's just a blessing."
At least 60 people, including government officials and other officers, were on hand to watch the ceremony.
X replaces Scott Griffith, who retired Wednesday.
X's promotion was certified Sept. 21 by the Alliance Civil Service Commission, as he was the top scorer on department's promotional exam. Griffith and X have been working together to create a smooth transition ever since.
"I'm just so proud of him," Trisha X said. "He's worked very hard, and he's going to give his heart and soul to the position."
X is a 1979 graduate of Timken High School in Canton and U.S. Navy veteran. He has been with the Alliance Police Department for 15 years. He previously worked for the Canton Police Department. He was the department's operations captain since November 2002, overseeing the Patrol Division and Canine Unit.
X has three adult children.
In the short-term, X said he doesn't expect many changes within the department, saying he wants "to continue on the path (Griffith) set before us. I believe it has proven to be successful and I'm going to continue in that vein."
That path, he said, was one that has structure, a chain of command and solid leadership. He said "we lacked that" before Griffith. Long-term, he said he'll look at ways to make improve efficiency within the department.
Promotion creates a chain reaction
X's move from captain to chief created a chain reaction in the department.
During the same ceremony, Grove also swore in the following officers, promoted into new ranks:
• Donald Wensel, a detective lieutenant, was promoted to captain, replacing X.
• Michael Yarian, a sergeant, was promoted to lieutenant, replacing Wensel.
• Michael D. Jones, a detective, was promoted to sergeant, replacing Yarian.
Griffith says goodbye
Griffith, 60, left his position due to a stipulation in his state pension. His career in law enforcement spanned 33 years, with the last 15 as chief.
Griffith thanked everyone.
"This is the last time I get the pleasure of doing this, so forgive if I savor it," Griffith said as he opened Wednesday's promotion ceremony. "I'm happy to be the guy who hands off the baton."
However, Grove made Griffith an auxiliary officer, a voluntary position.
"I wanted to stay on as an auxiliary with the best police department ever," Griffith said.
Reach Benjamin Duer at 330-580-8567 or ben.duer@cantonrep.com. On X (formerly Twitter): @bduerREP
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Akenra X sworn in as Alliance Police chief
