Friday was Assistant Chief Melanie Bevan’s final day with the St. Pete Police Department. Bevan announced last month she accepted the top spot with Bradenton Police as their chief.
“Today will be my last Facebook post with St. Petersburg Police Department as I was recently named Chief of Police for the City of Bradenton,” Bevan wrote on her Facebook page. “I’d like to thank all who supported me throughout the years with SPPD.”
Bevan had been considered for St. Pete Police Chief before Anthony Holloway was hired and was considered a favorite. Her candidacy for St. Pete’s top cop was supported by St. Pete City Council. However, St. Pete Mayor Rick Kriseman scratched the whole lot of candidates including Bevan in favor of hiring Holloway.
Bevan has been with the agency for 30 years. She has served as assistant chief since 1986.
“Although I’m looking forward to the next chapter of my career, I will miss all the wonderful people I’ve met along the way,” Bevan wrote. “As always, stay safe St. Pete.”
Bevan earned a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from St. Leo University in 1997 after being on the force more more than ten years. She went on to earn a Master’s degree in public administration from Troy State in 2001 and her Doctor of Education in organizational leadership from Argosy University in 2011.
She’s replacing Michael Radzilowski as Bradenton’s top cop. He announced in April he was retiring after 45 years in law enforcement.
