Chief’s Update: Bradenton Police Department

City of Bradenton

The Bradenton Police Department is set to welcome its 14th Chief of Police, Josh Cramer, in a swearing-in ceremony scheduled for July. This transition follows the announcement by outgoing Chief Melanie Bevan of her retirement this summer, marking the end of her 39-year career in law enforcement.

After a thorough interview process, Mayor Gene Brown nominated Cramer, who was subsequently confirmed by the City Council in May. With three decades of experience in the field, Cramer joined the Bradenton Police Department in 1995 after obtaining his B.S. in Criminology from Florida State University and completing the Law Enforcement Academy in Tallahassee.

Cramer’s career at the department began as a patrol officer, a position he held for eight years before advancing through various ranks. He became Sergeant in 2003, Lieutenant in 2011, Captain in 2015, and served as Assistant Chief of Police from 2016 to 2022. After retiring in 2022, he was elected to the Bradenton City Council while still working as a reserve officer.

Throughout his career, Cramer has received numerous accolades, including BPD’s Officer of the Year Award in 2007, the Commendation Bar in 2010, and the Gary Tibbitts Career Service Award from the 16th Congressional District Law Enforcement in 2022.

In addition to his extensive training, Cramer attended the FBI Florida Executive Development Seminar in 2015 and the FDLE Chief Executive Seminar in 2016. His swearing-in ceremony is set for July 8th at 9 a.m. at the R.B. “Chips” Shore Historical Courtroom.

Key Information

• New Chief of Police: Josh Cramer
• Previous Chief: Melanie Bevan
• Announcement of Retirement: Bevan retiring after 39 years
• Date of Swearing-In: July 8th at 9 a.m.
• Location: R.B. “Chips” Shore Historical Courtroom
• Experience: 30 years in law enforcement, various ranks from patrol officer to Assistant Chief
• Education: B.S. in Criminology, Florida State University
• Awards: Officer of the Year (2007), Commendation Bar (2010), Gary Tibbitts Career Service Award (2022)