(03/30/07) - Mayor Don Plusquellic has
selected one of the City of Akron's four deputy fire chiefs as the new chief of the Akron
Fire Department. Fifty eight year old Larry Bunner follows Chief Charles Gladman who
retired March 2.Bunner officially leads the department of 363 uniformed personnel and
28 support staffers beginning today, after spending the last four weeks as Akron's interim
fire chief.
As the longest-serving member of the department, Chief Bunner joined the AFD in June of
1972 as a firefighter. His promotional track took him to lieutenant six years later, to
captain in 1986, district chief in 1991 and deputy fire chief in January of 1996.
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and former Akron Fire Chief George Romanoski calls
Bunner a dedicated firefighter whose leadership has been present for many years.
"Chief Bunner is well respected not only within the department, but the
community," said Romanoski. "And in the fire service, experience forges good,
strong leadership. Larry has learned a great deal in his 35 years and uses that know-how
very well in every aspect of the job."
Known for his attention to detail, Bunner is a veteran of the United States Navy.
"The fire chiefs who came before me have all contributed to the solid reputation
we have for uprightness," said Bunner. He added, "If there is a better way to
serve the community than the way we're doing things now, we'll find it, I assure you. It
is an honor and a privilege for me to serve Akron in this capacity."
Chief Larry Bunner's starting annual salary will be $93,267.20.
