Lifetime Achievement Award - Honoree
LAWRENCE E. “LARRY” AKERS
HONORING LAWRENCE E. “LARRY” AKERS
Lifetime Achievement Award | Role Model | Leader | Trailblazer | Community Builder
Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
With profound respect and gratitude for your lifetime of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the City of Springfield and its citizens.
Superintendent Akers, your trailblazing career — from patrol officer to the first Black Superintendent of the Springfield Police Department — has inspired generations. Through your leadership, integrity, and dedication to public service, you exemplify the values of accountability, courage, and community at the heart of SPO Connection’s mission.
You lead with honor.
You serve with integrity.
You inspire through action.
We proudly recognize your achievements — and celebrate your lasting impact on our city and our youth.
Presented with the highest appreciation,
Charles King
Founder, Supporting Positive Opportunity Connection
2025
My Story
Lawrence E. “Larry” Akers by Coach King and Community Media
Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Role Model | Leader | Trailblazer | Community Builder
Lawrence E. Akers has dedicated more than 38 years of service to the City of Springfield, becoming a celebrated role model, trailblazer, and community leader.
On April 10, 2024, Akers was sworn in as the new Springfield Police Superintendent — the first Black leader of the department. A second-generation Springfield Police Officer, Akers proudly follows in the footsteps of his father, Charles E. Akers, who served the city for 29 years.
Throughout his distinguished career, Akers advanced through every rank of the department:
✅ Patrol Officer & Detective — 26 years
✅ Sergeant — promoted in 2012
✅ Lieutenant — promoted in 2015; supervised major investigative units
✅ Captain — promoted in 2021; commanded patrol and Metro/C3 Unit
✅ Deputy Chief — promoted in 2023; led Uniform Operations
✅ Superintendent — appointed in 2024
Akers has led specialized teams including the Honor Guard and Motorcycle Unit, and received the 2022 Life-Saving Award for his quick action during the Ride to Remember.
In 1992, Akers became the department’s first Black Homicide Detective.
A Springfield native, Akers graduated from the High School of Commerce (1977), earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Westfield State University, and is a recipient of the prestigious Frank Murphy Medal of Valor.
A devoted husband and father, Akers and his wife Mary have been married for 15 years and are parents to four children.