2024 -- H 8358

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LC006275

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES ON THE PASSING OF CHIEF JAMES G. AKERS OF THE

MANVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT

     Introduced By: Representatives Casey, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Ackerman, Shallcross
Smith, Costantino, Chippendale, J. Brien, Ajello, and Fellela

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2024

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, It is with deep sadness that this House has learned of the passing of Chief

James G. "Jim" Akers of the Manville Fire Department. He was the beloved husband of Susan

Akers for more than 42 years; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Akers was born in Pawtucket, the son of Stasha Akers and the late

James Lee Akers. He was a lifelong resident of Manville, a 1975 graduate of Lincoln High

School, and attained a degree in chemical technology from Rhode Island Junior College. Prior to

his firefighting career, Chief Akers worked at Colby Glass and Ernie’s Auto Repair; and

     WHEREAS, Beginning in 1974, Chief Akers fulfilled his lifelong calling and began his

distinguished nearly 50-year firefighting and public service career when he accepted a position to

serve as an emergency medical technician. He graduated from the Rhode Island Fire Academy

Class of 1985, and thanks to his tireless work ethic and strong leadership skills, he steadily rose

through the ranks of the Manville Fire Department, culminating with his exemplary service as the

Chief of the Fire Department from 1994 to 2001; and

     WHEREAS, Even after retiring, Chief Akers continued his service to the department he

loved, assuming the position of Fire Warden, a position he held until his passing. He also served

the Town of Lincoln as a member of the Lincoln Rescue for many years, and continued his

education at the Community College of Rhode Island, earning a Licensed Practical Nurse degree,

and training and certification as a phlebotomist; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Akers was a member of the Rhode Island Fire Chiefs Association, the

New England Fire Chief’s Association, and the Rhode Island Volunteer Firefighters. He was a

member of the Manville Sportsmen’s Club and loved all things outdoors including camping,

fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed collecting coins and stamps, was a member of the Rhode

Island Numismatic Society, and was known for his love of all things "Dunkin" especially their

iced coffees; and

     WHEREAS, In addition to his wife, Susan and mother, Stasha, Chief Akers leaves

behind his daughter, Amanda Nobile and his grandchildren, Cecilia, Juliet and Jeffrey Nobile. He

was the brother of Patricia Shirley and her late husband, David Shirley, and is also survived by

Susan’s family, Linda and Marc Cotnoir, and several nieces and nephews and their families. He

was the son-in-law of the late Woonsocket Fire Department Deputy Chief Ralph W. St. Germain,

and his wife, Constance St. Germain; and

     WHEREAS, Chief Akers was a shining beacon of light and joy in the lives of his loved

ones and many friends. He will long be remembered for his distinguished career of public service

to the community he loved, and for being a truly wonderful family man and friend to many; now,

therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island hereby

expresses its condolences on the passing of Chief James G. "Jim" Akers; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Mrs. Susan Akers and Family.

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