The Akron Fire Department (AFD) recently named Sierjie Lash as the city’s first Black woman district fire chief. Lash now holds a leadership role responsible for emergency operations and safety services across the city.
Her promotion, however, arrives in the middle of a legal challenge filed by a fellow firefighter. A federal lawsuit claims the city’s decision was unfair, but supporters of Lash view this as a long overdue step toward progress in Akron’s public safety leadership.
Sierjie Lash Steps Into Historic Fire Department Role
Sierjie Lash’s appointment is a landmark for the Akron Fire Department. She is the first Black woman ever to hold a district chief position in the department’s history.
The department typically has around ten district chief roles. Out of 354 firefighters, only 52 are Black and 18 are women. Lash’s appointment adds valuable representation to this critical leadership tier.
Her responsibilities include managing emergency responses, supervising teams, and ensuring public safety across Akron’s neighborhoods. At a press conference last year, Lash stood alongside city leaders during a major chemical fire, showcasing her active leadership in difficult situations.
Lawsuit Challenges the Promotion Process
While many celebrate Lash’s new role, one longtime firefighter is taking legal action. Michael Haas, a 58-year-old Akron fire captain, filed a lawsuit in federal court earlier this month.
Haas claims he was more qualified than Lash for the district chief job but was overlooked because of his race, gender, and age. According to his complaint, Haas ranked higher than Lash in the city’s promotion system, which scores candidates on seniority, education, and certifications.
“The city has not provided a fair, non-discriminatory reason for not promoting Haas,” the lawsuit argues. The complaint also names Fire Chief Leon Henderson and other city officials, accusing them of favoritism and discrimination in the promotion process.
Controversy Around Past Allegations and Investigations
The lawsuit brings up an earlier 2023 investigation involving Lash. It alleged that she advised Black firefighter candidates who had used marijuana not to report it during hiring. Though these claims surfaced in the complaint, Lash was still selected for promotion.
Haas contends that Fire Chief Henderson, Deputy Mayor Clarence Tucker, and other leaders intentionally bypassed him for Lash. The complaint suggests they did so due to “discriminatory bias” in favor of Lash, who is both younger and a Black woman.
As part of the lawsuit, Haas also says he was transferred to less favorable shifts after filing complaints. He alleges this was retaliation and claims city officials didn’t properly investigate his concerns.
City Leaders and Legal Teams Stay Quiet
The City of Akron has declined to comment on the open lawsuit. Akron’s spokesperson said the city won’t discuss ongoing legal matters publicly.
Haas’ lawyer, Bryan Spitz, shared limited remarks but expressed confidence. “We are committed to obtaining justice in this matter and for all employees,” he stated.
So far, no court rulings have been made. The lawsuit asks for over $25,000 in damages, the removal of certain city officials, and for Haas to be given a leadership job he says he was entitled to.
The Bigger Picture for Akron’s Fire Department Diversity
This legal battle arrives nearly a decade after the city settled a different lawsuit over discrimination in firefighter promotions. Akron’s demographic makeup includes about 29% Black residents and 52% women.
Lash’s promotion has renewed conversations about equity and fair hiring practices within Akron’s public safety services. Supporters see it as a meaningful achievement for representation, while critics question how the process was handled.
As the case moves through court, Akron residents and city leaders continue to watch closely. Both sides await a decision that could shape the department’s future leadership and hiring policies.
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