Bradenton City Council appoints Josh Cramer as the new police chief.

City council members have unanimously approved Cramer as the next chief of the Bradenton Police Department during a vote held on Wednesday morning.

“I’m very proud to be the first internal candidate in 30 years,” stated Cramer, who previously served as an assistant chief before his retirement. He emphasized his vision for the department, expressing a desire to strengthen community relationships and cultivate a culture of kindness. “We deal with enough bad stuff on the streets; you have to be kind,” Cramer remarked in an interview with ABC7.

Cramer is set to be officially sworn in on July 8, coinciding with the formal retirement of Chief Melanie Bevan later that same month.

Chief Bevan announced her retirement in January after a notable tenure that began in 2016. Before leading the Bradenton department, she dedicated 29 years to the St. Petersburg Police Department.

Having lived and worked in Bradenton for over thirty years, Cramer has made significant strides in the Bradenton Police Department, reaching the rank of assistant chief and holding the number two position for six years prior to his retirement, as noted in a news release from Mayor Gene Brown.

“He exemplifies the leadership, vision, and commitment to community safety that our City needs and expects. I am confident he will build upon the successes established by Chief Melanie Bevan and continue to lead the department with integrity and accountability,” Mayor Brown remarked.

The public is invited to attend the swearing-in ceremony, scheduled for July 8 at 9 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, located at 1111 6th Ave. West, Bradenton.

Key Information

• New Chief: Cramer
• Vote: Unanimously approved by city council
• First Internal Candidate: In 30 years
• Swearing-In Date: July 8
• Retiring Chief: Melanie Bevan
• Bevan’s Tenure: Chief since 2016
• Cramer’s Experience: Over 30 years in Bradenton, former assistant chief for six years
• Public Ceremony Location: Historic Courthouse, 1111 6th Ave. West, Bradenton
• Ceremony Time: 9 a.m.