Bradenton Names New Police Chief
By Lisa Neff
Josh Cramer will be moving offices from Bradenton City Hall to the police department.
The Bradenton City Council on May 28 confirmed Cramer as the city’s chief of police on the recommendation of Mayor Gene Brown.
Cramer, the city’s vice mayor and councilman for Ward 3, will take the chief’s office July 8, succeeding Chief Melanie Bevan, who after nine years announced her retirement in January.
Brown, in his nomination letter to the council, wrote, “Josh has a longstanding track-record of collaboration between staff, elected officials and the citizens of the City of Bradenton. He possesses an in-depth knowledge of law enforcement regulations and executive level leadership and has earned the respect of his colleagues and community leaders.”
Cramer is a 30-year resident of the city who’s served since 2023 on the city council.
He also worked for three decades in law enforcement, rising through the BPD ranks to assistant chief. Cramer put in eight years as a patrol officer and also served as sergeant, lieutenant, captain and then assistant chief of police.
He joined the BPD in 1995 after earning a bachelor’s degree in criminology from Florida State University and graduating from the Lively Law Enforcement Academy in Tallahassee.
The mayor described Cramer as a problem-solver and relationship-builder who’s committed to community policing and understands evolving public safety challenges.
Cramer, in a city news release, said he was humbled, proud and thrilled.
At the council meeting May 28, he said he’d strive for excellence.
Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, Ward 2, offered emotional praise for her colleague.
“I’m going to hold it together,” she said before recognizing the incoming chief for his quiet confidence and demeanor.
Councilwoman Jayne Kocher, Ward 1, said she was sorry to see Cramer leave the dais but added, “I’m excited for him to bring the perspective from us sitting here. You’ll have that additional perspective.”
She also praised Bevan: “I also want to thank the chief. I think you’ve been an amazing leader, and I think we’re very blessed to have had you for as long as we have.”
Representing Ward 4, Councilwoman Lisa Gonzalez Moore directly addressed Cramer and said, “I am excited about this next chapter for you. It will be bittersweet for us but I’m excited about this next chapter for you and I happily put my trust in you to take over what Chief Bevan has created and developed over the past nine years of her service.”
A public swearing-in ceremony is set for 9 a.m. July 8 at the historic courthouse, 1111 Sixth Ave. W., Bradenton.