Staff Report
The Bradenton Police Department released the following memo from Chief Melanie Bevan to her employees on Friday morning.
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Photo of BPD Chief Melanie Bevan
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Last night just before 9 p.m. local time, during a peaceful rally in downtown Dallas, snipers opened fire, killing five police officers and injuring seven more. Two civilians were also wounded in the attack. This horrific event marks the deadliest incident for U.S. law enforcement since September 11, 2001. Dallas Police Chief David Brown said it appeared the shooters "planned to injure and kill as many officers as they could."
All law enforcement officers across the country, to include members of the Bradenton Police Department, will feel the pain of this great loss today. Incidents as this strike at our core, yet remind us of the ultimate sacrifice we are all willing to pay, every day we pin on our badge, to ensure our Bradenton community remains safe. And while we collectively grieve for our fallen officers, don't allow this shameless act to detract from our vigilance, as we go about our duties in order that none of our ranks fall victim to a similar fate. As your Chief, I maintain great pride in all of you and understand the personal sacrifices you make while serving as guardians of our great nation.
In honor of these fallen heroes, I am authorizing the wearing of black bands over our badges until the last Dallas officer is laid to rest. Please continue to police Bradenton with professionalism and pride, and, above all else, stay safe out there.
Update: The BPD sent out a second press release on Friday afternoon, stating that the original press release "was meant as a memorandum from Chief Bevan to her employees, not a statement by the Chief." The article has been updated to reflect this information.
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