Amid the thunderous rallies and touchdown frenzies of a homecoming football game, a different sort of celebration unfolded on the gridiron at the University of Akron. Tackling societal issues head-on, the institution paused to honor a figure whose impact stretches well beyond the stadium's confines. In a feat not measured by yards advanced or goals scored, APD Lieutenant Utomhin "Tome" Okoh was named the 'True Hero of the Game.'
With an eleven-year tenure wearing the badge, serving in capacities as varied as SWAT and Community Relations, Lieutenant Okoh has more than earned this hometown distinction. The Akron Police Department detailed in a social media post, "Lieutenant Tome Okoh has served with Akron PD for 11 years." His roles have included Police Information Officer and Honor Guard Commander, among others. But the lieutenant's work carrying a gun and a shield is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to his commitment to Akron.
A proponent of juvenile rapport with the men and women in blue, Lieutenant Okoh also dedicates sizable chunks of his off-clock hours to mentoring and coaching. He's put his name on the line, literally, sitting on the boards of multiple non-profits such as the ADM Board, Project Ujima, Victim Assistance, and Project Learn. His holistic approach to law enforcement—seeing beyond the badge to address community, youth, and societal issues—signals a shift in how policing is perceived in the microcosm of Akron's neighborhoods.
"His passion and commitment to the citizens of Akron are commendable and show that he is a True Hero of the Game," according to the Akron Police Department's heartfelt recognition. This accolade, bestowed during a sports event that often highlights feats of athleticism, instead shone the spotlight on the courage and selflessness woven into the day-to-day narrative of a dedicated public servant. Lieutenant Okoh's playbook, it seems, extends far past the final whistle—well into the lives of the Akron youth he sets out to uplift every day.
