Mayor Brown nominates Vice Mayor Josh Cramer to lead BPD following Chief Bevan’s retirement

May 23

City of Bradenton Mayor Gene Brown provided the information below on May 22, 2025.

Following an extensive selection process, Mayor Gene Brown today announced the nomination of retired Bradenton Police Department Assistant Chief and current City Council member Josh Cramer to serve as the next Chief of the Bradenton Police Department, with the consent of the City Council. Cramer is set to assume this leadership position from Chief Melanie Bevan, who has served in the role for the past nine years and announced her retirement in January. Chief Bevan will continue to serve as Chief until Cramer's proposed swearing-in date of July 8, 2025.

Cramer has lived and worked in the Bradenton community for over three decades. In both his 30-year tenure with the department and his three years serving as City Councilman for Ward 3, he has built a strong reputation for relationship-building, problem-solving, and servant leadership. In making this critical decision, Mayor Brown expressed confidence in Cramer's understanding of evolving public safety challenges and his commitment to community-focused policing. His background in civic leadership and rise through the ranks of the Bradenton Police Department to the number two position, where he served for six years prior to his retirement, were key factors in the selection process.

While there were several highly qualified candidates for this position, according to Mayor Brown, Cramer emerged as the top choice due to his long-standing reputation within the agency and the Bradenton Community.

Mayor Brown stated, "He exemplifies the leadership, vision, and commitment to community safety that our City needs and expects. I am confident he will build upon the successes established by Chief Melanie Bevan and continue to lead the department with integrity and accountability."

In learning of his selection, Josh Cramer stated, "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. I've dedicated my career to this City, and I am both thrilled and proud to continue it as its Chief of Police."

The matter will be heard at 10:00 a.m. (time-certain) during the May 28, 2025, regularly scheduled City Council meeting. Both Mayor Brown and Chief Cramer will be available for interviews following the meeting.

The proposed Swearing-In Ceremony will be held on July 8, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. at the Historic Courthouse, located at 1111 6th Ave West, Bradenton. The public is invited to attend.