An historic day in Springfield, where second generation cop Larry Akers becomes the first man of color to run the police department.
With his wife holding back tears, Akers took the oath of office - the first African American man to run the Springfield Police Department.
Akers says he doesn't expect to make any wide ranging changes to the department.
He said he wants to increase transparency--- improve use of force protocols, lessen crime and increase accountability.
The Superintendent said he is not trying to recreate the wheel- but rather just fix a few spokes.
Akers says he isn't thinking about retirement...although at 64 now and 65 in December- he will need approval of a home rule petition to get that done---that document is already in the works--at one point saying "please don't let the state end my career."
(Photo Credit: Springfield Police Department)