The Bradenton City Council officially confirmed Mayor Gene Brown’s nomination of retired Assistant Chief Josh Cramer as the next Chief of Police for the Bradenton Police Department, pending his swearing-in ceremony on July 8, 2025.
Cramer will take over the position from Chief Melanie Bevan, who announced her retirement in January after serving in the role for nine years. Chief Bevan will continue to serve until Cramer’s official appointment.
With a 30-year career in law enforcement, Cramer has dedicated much of his service to the Bradenton Police Department. He joined the BPD in 1995 and rose through the ranks, ultimately retiring as Assistant Chief in 2022. Though he retired from his full-time position, Cramer continues to serve as a reserve officer. In addition to his law enforcement career, Cramer was elected to the Bradenton City Council in 2022. He will resign from his council seat before being sworn in as Chief of Police.
Mayor Gene Brown expressed his confidence in Cramer’s leadership: “Josh exemplifies the commitment to public safety and community engagement that Bradenton needs in its next police chief. With his deep roots in the community, both as a police officer and a councilman, I am confident he will lead our department with integrity and accountability.”
Upon hearing the confirmation, Cramer shared his excitement: “It’s an honor to be nominated and confirmed to lead the Bradenton Police Department. This city has given me so much over the years, and I look forward to continuing my service as Chief, especially as we move into our new headquarters later this year.”
The City Council formally confirmed Cramer’s nomination at the May 28, 2025, meeting. Both Mayor Brown and Chief Cramer will be available for interviews after the meeting.
The official swearing-in ceremony will take place 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 and celebrate this important moment in the department’s history.
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