After 8 years as Akron Children’s director and chief of public safety, Chief Jerome Klue retires on Nov. 7.
When Jerome Klue joined Akron Children’s as director and chief of public safety, it wasn’t just another career move. Rather, it was a continuation of a lifelong mission to protect others and serve with compassion.
“I saw an opportunity to lead and at the same time make a meaningful impact in an environment where safety and healing go hand in hand,” he said. “Akron Children’s is more than a health care institution. It’s a place where families face challenging moments, and more importantly, where every interaction matters.”
Building a culture of safety and compassion at Akron Children’s
From day one, Chief Klue brought both heart and strategy to his role by effectively combining decades of law enforcement experience with the hospital’s mission of care and hope. His leadership helped create an environment where patients, families and staff could feel secure and supported.
Of all his accomplishments, Chief Klue said he’s most proud of the Behavioral Response Against Violence Escalation (B.R.A.V.E.) Officer and Police K-9 Therapy programs because they integrate with Crisis Intervention Team principles — particularly in transforming police responses to mental health crises involving youth.
During his 8 years at Akron Children’s, he’s done far more than oversee security operations. In fact, his vision extended across departments, strengthening collaboration while building a strong safety culture that continues to shape the organization. Among his many contributions, Chief Klue:
Partnered with senior leaders to align public safety initiatives with hospital goals, fostering accountability, preparedness and continuous improvement.
Enhanced rapid response protocols, de-escalation training and safety measures like the metal detectors in the emergency room.
Supported clinical teams through proactive safety planning, incident mitigation and compassionate engagement with patients and families.
Contributed to community outreach and donor engagement efforts that highlight the hospital’s commitment to safety and well-being.
Advancing safety and trust through innovation and teamwork
Chief Klue said the hospital’s mission has challenged him to think beyond enforcement and, instead, to lead with compassion, listen and build trust across diverse teams.
“Through these efforts, I have strengthened interdepartmental trust, improved operational efficiency and elevated the standard of care through a safety-first lens,” he said. “My work reflects a deep commitment to the hospital’s mission as well as the well-being of every patient, family or staff member who enters its doors.”
Since joining Akron Children’s, Chief Klue said he’s grown both as a law enforcement leader and, equally important, as a member of a team dedicated to healing and hope.
“I’ve led initiatives that improved safety protocols while also fostering a culture of empathy, trauma-informed response and community engagement,” he said. “The hospital’s mission has challenged me to think beyond enforcement and, instead, to lead with compassion, listen and build trust across diverse teams.”
Retirement will give him time to explore new passions like writing a book about trauma-informed policing as well as focusing on wellness, mindfulness and time with family.
Working alongside clinical staff, executives and support services has broadened his perspective on leadership and teamwork.
“I’ve become more attuned to the emotional and psychological needs of patients, families and staff. I recognize that safety isn’t just physical; it’s also emotional and environmental,” he said. “The hospital has taught me that every interaction is an opportunity to serve, support and uplift.”
B.R.A.V.E. officers and K-9 therapy teams help build trust with children in crisis
Of all his accomplishments, Chief Klue said he’s most proud of the Behavioral Response Against Violence Escalation (B.R.A.V.E.) Officer and Police K-9 Therapy programs because they integrate with Crisis Intervention Team principles — particularly in transforming police responses to mental health crises involving youth.
“The program emphasizes de-escalation techniques, education and understanding, as well as relationship-building within the hospital and community,” he said. “Consequently, this approach has led to a reduction in violent behavior in patients, fewer hands-on incidents, improved dignity and reduced stigma for individuals in crisis.
“Furthermore, watching our officers build trust with children in crisis, seeing families request our B.R.A.V.E. team by name and knowing our K-9 units bring comfort to those in pain — these are the moments that remind me why we do this work,” he added.
After more than 50 years in law enforcement and public safety, retirement will give him time to explore new passions. These include writing a book about trauma-informed policing as well as focusing on wellness, mindfulness and time with family.
Chief Klue said he will miss being part of a team that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.
Leadership rooted in empathy and service
“Serving in a pediatric hospital means every day is about protecting children while also supporting healing and families,” he said. “I will miss the sense of purpose that comes with safeguarding a place of care, the opportunity to lead with empathy and being part of a team that makes a tangible difference in people’s lives.”
When asked what advice he’d give to someone starting their career at Akron Children’s, Chief Klue didn’t hesitate.
“Every interaction is an opportunity to show empathy. Whether you’re responding to a crisis or helping a family find their way, compassion is the foundation of trust,” he said. “Therefore, put others first and prioritize empathy, support and empowerment of others.”
As Chief Klue hangs up his badge, he leaves behind a department shaped by his steady leadership and, consequently, a team ready to uphold the values he built it upon.
