Advance Employee Wellness and Equipment Upgrades

Description

Make workplace equipment improvements and sustain a multifaceted approach to employee wellness for APD and AFD personnel.

Why is This Important

When we invest in the health and well-being of our officers and firefighters, we invest in the community they serve. These improvements help Akron's safety forces show up at their best every day.

Initiative Wins

Implemented multiple cancer-reduction measures for AFD, including new fire hoods that reduce physical contact with particulates, chemical detoxification units at three stations, and an extra set of turnout gear (personal protective equipment).
Trained AFD and APD employees in peer support mental health resources in 2025.
Integrated 40+ exercise machines into AFD facilities through a local gym donation in 2025.
Implemented a new AFD physical agility course, with 99% employee completion as of March 2026.

Impact Spotlight

What We’ve Done This Quarter

Completed a defensive tactics training room for APD and launched quarterly roll call trainings for patrol officers.
Released a request for proposals (RFP) for an AFD employee health and wellness screening provider.
Announced a multi-phase renovation of the Stubbs Justice Center beginning in 2026 with new HVAC and elevator replacements.

What We’re Working on Next Quarter

Refining existing wellness programs and exploring potential new offerings
Finalizing the full renovation design for Stubbs Justice Center by end of 2026 and planning future phases.