City of Bradenton nominates new police chief as current chief plans to retire
As Bradenton’s police chief prepares to retire, the mayor has nominated a City Council member and former assistant chief to lead the department.
Councilman Josh Cramer, who spent 30 years with the Bradenton Police Department before joining the City Council, is in line to succeed Chief Melanie Bevan. The longtime chief plans to step down after nine years leading the agency, according to city officials.
Cramer must resign from his seat on the City Council, city spokesperson Tiffany Shadik told the Bradenton Herald. He will take over the department from Bevan, who has led the agency since 2016.
Bevan, 58, became the first woman to serve as Bradenton’s police chief and previously spent 29 years with the St. Petersburg Police Department, where she rose through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, major and assistant chief. She holds a doctorate in organizational leadership and has taught in the State College of Florida’s homeland security program, according to the police department’s website.
Bevan announced her retirement in January and will remain in her position until the Cramer is sworn in, according to the city.
Bradenton selects next police chief
City officials said the nomination follows an “extensive selection process.” According to a news release, several qualified candidates were considered before Mayor Gene Brown selected Cramer, citing his experience in law enforcement and city government, as well as his reputation in the community.
“He exemplifies the leadership, vision and commitment to community safety that our city needs and expects,” Brown said in the release. “I am confident he will build upon the successes established by Chief Melanie Bevan and continue to lead the department with integrity and accountability.”
Cramer, 53, joined the Bradenton Police Department in 1995 and held a range of positions over his 27-year career, including field training officer, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain, according to the city’s website. He served as assistant chief before retiring in 2022. Voters elected him to represent Ward 3 on the City Council later that year.
A graduate of Florida State University with a degree in criminology, Cramer is a member of Bradenton Kiwanis and serves on the Board of Governors for Leadership Manatee, according to the city. He has also been involved in emergency operations and public safety planning for events like the River Regatta and the Heritage Festival Parade. He and his wife have been married for 11 years.
In a written statement, Cramer said he was honored by the nomination and proud to return to the department in a new role.
“I am humbled by Mayor Brown’s selection of me to lead the Bradenton Police Department during an exciting phase in its history, including our move to a new police headquarters next fall,” he said. “I’ve dedicated my career to this city, and I am both thrilled and proud to continue it as its chief of police.”
What happens next?
The Bradenton City Council approved Cramer’s nomination Wednesday, according to BPD. Cramer will be sworn in at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at the Historic Courthouse, 1111 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton. The ceremony will be open to the public.
This story was originally published May 28, 2025 at 5:50 AM.
