Akron Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Charles Brown retiring

After calls from community members demanding he step down from his position, the city announced Friday that Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Charles Brown is retiring in September.

Mayor Dan Horrigan said Brown has been integral to efforts to combat violence in Akron's communities, "move the needle forward on racial equity and social justice and increase support for public safety officials."

The announcement of Brown's retirement comes after weeks of protests calling for police accountability and justice after Akron police fatally shot Jayland Walker, a 25-year-old Black man, on June 27.

On July 7, dozens of demonstrators carried out a peaceful protest outside the Ellet home of Brown, demanding that he step down from his position following the fatal police shooting that led to protests nationwide.

Charles Brown made headlines during 2020 George Floyd protests

During 2020 protests following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer, Horrigan and Brown both made headlines as they knelt with the crowd before joining a march to the Stubbs Justice Center, where many of the officers guarding the building also knelt as protesters shouted “take a knee.”

"He is one of the hardest working men I know; always available to answer the call and be there at a moment’s notice," Horrigan said in a statement. "I’m fortunate to count Charles as a friend and he will certainly be missed here at the city. It’s been my pleasure to serve alongside him these last 7 years.  I thank Charles for his dedicated service and wish him and his family the very best in his next chapter.”

Brown became deputy mayor for public safety in 2016 after Horrigan created the position in his administration upon being elected in 2015. Previously, Brown served as Assistant Chief of Police in the Akron Police Department for several years. He also served 27 years in all three of the police department’s sub-divisions: uniform, investigative and services.  During his tenure, Brown held numerous leadership roles within the police department.

Brown, who has worked within the city for 36 years, said it has been an honor and a privilege. Brown's retirement becomes effective on Sept. 23.

"I'm proud of the work that I've been able to do and the impact I've made in collaboration with the men and women of Akron's public safety forces," he said in a statement. "I want to thank Mayor Horrigan, Chiefs Tucker and Mylett, and all of the public safety employees I've had the honor of working alongside in my tenure for their dedication to this city."

Reporter Molly Walsh can be reached at mwalsh@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Akron Deputy Mayor Charles Brown retiring after calls for removal