The Akron Police Department is mourning the loss of former Police Chief Edward Irvine, who died about 4:30 p.m. Sunday of an apparent heart attack in his Akron home. He was 80.
His son, Akron police detective Pierre Irvine, said his father left a legacy of compassion and caring.
“Even people who he arrested respected him because he always treated everyone fairly and equally,” Irvine said. “He was a police officer because he wanted to help people and that is what he strived to do. He had a big heart for the community and formed a community relations unit for the department to help build relationships between the police and the community.”
The younger Irvine called his father a pioneer who opened doors for other African-American officers who came after him.
Mr. Irvine joined the police department in 1963. He became the city’s first African-American police chief in 1996 and retired in 2000.
He became the city’s first black lieutenant in 1980. The Glenjean, W.Va., native was promoted to captain in 1988 and to major (heading the services subdivision) in 1991.
In addition to his son and daughter-in-law, Darlene, survivors include a sister, Marcella Campbell; four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements are pending with Stewart and Calhoun Funeral Home.
Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com. She can be followed at www.twitter.com/ColetteMJenkins.
