Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan announced the Akron Fire Department‘s next fire chief Tuesday. Chief Joseph Natko will take the position immediately with a formal swearing-in ceremony to be held in the coming weeks, according to a press release from Mayor Horrigan. Natko has served with the Akron Fire Department for more than 30 years. According to Mayor Horrigan, Matko is the 20th chief of the Akron Fire department. “We accepted applications from all over the country and found the best candidate for the position was right here in Akron proudly serving our community,” Horrigan said. “I firmly believe our Akron Fire Department is one of the best across the state and to maintain that unparalleled level of service to the community requires an experienced and dedicated leader.