Josh Cramer was sworn in as the City of Bradenton’s 14th Chief of Police on July 8, 2025. He holds the distinction of being the first Chief of Police in over thirty years to be appointed from within the ranks of the Bradenton Police Department.

Chief Cramer’s distinguished law enforcement career with BPD began in 1995 and spans three decades of dedicated service. He spent the first eight years of his career as a patrol officer before earning successive promotions: Sergeant in 2003, Lieutenant in 2011, Captain in 2015, and Assistant Chief of Police in 2016. He served in that executive role until his retirement in 2022. Following his retirement, Chief Cramer was elected to the Bradenton City Council, where he continued his commitment to public service. Notably, he also remained actively involved with the department as a reserve officer. 

Throughout his career, Chief Cramer received numerous accolades recognizing his exemplary performance and leadership. These honors include the Bradenton Police Department’s Officer of the Year Award (2007), a Commendation Bar (2010), and the prestigious Gary Tibbetts Career Service Award presented by the 16th Congressional District (2022). 

In addition to ongoing professional development, Chief Cramer completed several advanced leadership programs, including the FBI Florida Executive Development Seminar in 2015 and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Chief Executive Seminar in 2016. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University (1994) and is a graduate of the Lively Law Enforcement Academy in Tallahassee (1994). 

Chief Cramer is also involved in numerous community organizations, including Leadership Manatee and Big Brothers, Big Sisters.