Lt. Chris Akers speaks on continuing improvements in TRWD law enforcement
AZLE — Whether it’s managing clowns or cops, Lt. Chris Akers can do both.
He joined TRWD as a general repairman 25 years ago at age 19 and moved around to several different roles. While working at its Fort Worth operations, Akers changed his career trajectory. Having some interest in the job, Akers got the opportunity to do a ride-along with thenpatrolman Randall Cocke, who later become a lieutenant. Cocke officially retired in November 2024 but remains on a part-time basis to guide TRWD as it transitions.
“Throughout that, the teamwork, the camaraderie, which is really something we have throughout the district, I really fell into that.”
Akers put himself through college and the police academy at night while working for the water district during the day and eventually he was qualified to join TRWD’s Law Enforcement Division as a patrolman. Over the years, Akers worked his way up to sergeant where he was responsible for a supervising a team that protects TRWD employees, infrastructure and resources, as well as supporting safe recreational activities.
“Our officers are widely trained in a lot of specific areas, watercrafts and underwater investigations,” Akers said. “We’re always pushing that envelope so that we’re the experts to not only perform, but also to help train and mentor other departments throughout the state.”
As a certified public safety diver, he has also investigated underwater search and rescue calls and water fatalities. In addition to his thousands of hours of on-the-job training, Akers has continued his education by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice supervision at Tarleton University.
“I’ve always kind of been a, I would say (in) ‘air quotes,’ like a peacemaker growing up and stuff like that,” Akers said. “I never really had the whole strong ‘I want to be a cop’ thing but as I grew into the job I found that’s what I want. That’s what I am. They say if you do what you love, it won’t ever be work. This is the one job where it doesn’t feel like I’m going to work every day.”
With the November retirement of Cocke, Akers was promoted to lieutenant. Some of his new duties as lieutenant include maintaining TRWD’s budget, personnel and equipment. Akers said his biggest career goal is to continue the improvement and growth pushed by his predecessor.
“I have big shoes to fill,” Akers said. “I’ve worked alongside or under Randy for four years and watched him take his goals and what he hopes our department becomes. I want to continue that, the momentum that he pushed and seeing the growth and what we’ve done, and the professionalism and what we’ve become, I want that.”
Along with being one of the newest lieutenants at Tarrant Regional Water District, Akers also heads the clown unit for local Shriners hospitals, where he volunteers with his wife and kids. He said it is always extremely gratifying to see the immediate happiness and help that his work as “Kranky the Clown” can have for patients and their families. He has also volunteered at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, reuniting lost children with their families and other security matters.
