New Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan takes command

BRADENTON -- There's a new chief in town and she is excited to get to work.

Bradenton Chief of Police Melanie Bevan was sworn in as the department's new top cop Tuesday afternoon before a crowd that included local law enforcement, officials, family and friends.

"To my Bradenton family, I look forward to working alongside all of you and growing together as a team," Bevan said after being sworn in. "But while I may be bringing many years of experience to BPD, it is all of you that have built the foundation on which this department stands: things like partnerships in the community, a positive reputation with our citizens and a proven track record of ethical policing."

Bevan replaces outgoing Chief Michael Radzilowski, who announced last April his intention to retire after leading the department for 13 years. Bevan left the St. Petersburg Police Department after a 29-year career there, rising to the rank of assistant chief.

On Tuesday, she wore the Bradenton police uniform for the first time, while Radzilowski wore a suit and tie.

"My hope is that together we will make Bradenton's future brighter than ever," the 49-year-old Bevan said. "As your chief, I am dedicated

to making the Bradenton Police Department the best it can be by capitalizing on our strengths and developing our weaknesses. Individually, we can be successful but collectively we can achieve greatness."

She thanked all those in attendance, which included her parents, sons Seely and Sergei Bevan, both 16; partner Nickole Bozeman, 46, her brother and sister-in-law; a cousin; and former partner, retired Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor.

"I feel so fortunate, so very fortunate," Bevan said. "I stand before you today and I feel like the luckiest cop alive and appreciate everybody for that."

Bradenton Mayor and Police Commissioner Wayne Poston, who swore Bevan in, said he initially worried he wouldn't find a new chief with all the qualifications he was looking for to replace Radzilowski. But after going through more than 100 applicants, he said, investigating and spending a great deal of time in St. Petersburg, he felt confident swearing Bevan in as the department's new leader.

During the ceremony, Radzilowski presented his successor with a gift handed down to him by previous chiefs Daniel Thorpe and Al Hogle: "The Buck."

"The buck stops at your desk," Radzilowski read from the framed quote with a one-dollar bill. "Which brings to what all police chiefs know, which is the first commandment of being a police chief: Thou shall not speak ill of the previous police chief."

Bevan's father, Edward Bevan, pinned her new badge on her during the ceremony.

"I'm so happy about her achieving that final goal of hers -- to be chief," the 83-year-old Safety Harbor resident told the Bradenton Herald afterward.

The proud father said his daughter's career aspiration began when she was 19. She was so young, Bevan noted, she couldn't even buy bullets for guns.

"She's real great, real great at the job," he said. "Of course, I'm prejudiced, you know, I'm her father."

Bevan's son, Seely, said his emotions were high as he watched his mother get sworn in.

"I think it's really cool seeing a female leader step up and make it this far. It's really reassuring to other female leaders that have been trying really hard to gain a position or high ranks like she's accomplished, being the chief of police," he said as his mother stood nearby surrounded by supporters. "I think it's cool to see that and how our society has progressed that far, where women are now taking the roles that normally men had."

The teenager added he's impressed to see his mother fill that role in a town as nice as Bradenton -- one that Seely said seems less stressful than St. Petersburg.

"I know how much she tries and how much she wants us to do well," he said. "It's great seeing it come from the other end, of seeing how well she's done."

After posing for a photo with Bevan and other family members, Bozeman said she was proud of her partner.

"She's worked her entire career for this, and I can't tell you how excited we are to start this new chapter -- both in her career and our lives," the 46-year-old said, adding that plans are in the works to find a new home.

"Her career is first and foremost in our family, so we'll do anything for her."

Jessica De Leon, Herald law enforcement reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7049. Follow her on Twitter @JDeLeon1012.

Amaris Castillo, law enforcement/island reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7051. Follow her on Twitter @AmarisCastillo.

This story was originally published February 16, 2016 at 11:41 PM with the headline "New Bradenton Police Chief Melanie Bevan takes command ."