Bradenton Police Department Honored

BRADENTON -- The City of Bradenton Police Department was recently awarded the Rocky Pomerance Law Enforcement Excellence Award by the Florida Police Chiefs Association and Star & Shield Group. The award recognizes member agencies for developing and implementing an innovative approach to policing. BPD captured the Large Agency division (76 Sworn Officers or more) in recognition of its Neighborhood Liaison Communication Project.

The award has been named in honor of Chief of Police (Ret.) Rocky Pomerance, who has been recognized as exemplifying the image of an innovative and visionary leader who furthered the mission of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the law enforcement profession within Florida and is given annually in three classes.

Chief of Police Michael Radzilowski

Chief of Police Michael Radzilowski said, “I am very proud of our Neighborhood Liaison Communication Project, and the rapport that it has developed between the Bradenton Police Officers and the residents, this has helped foster the ongoing respect and feeling of teamwork resulting in collateral changes in the target areas including, businesses increased by 17%, home sales increased by 41%, and the crime rate has dropped by 28.8%.

"The citizens expressed that their efforts were effective in reducing crime, thereby reducing fear, and increasing the feeling of safety, ownership and teamwork alongside the members of the Bradenton Police Department. This collaborative effort has saved the Bradenton Police Department in excess of 6,000 man-hours and $200,000 in taxpayer monies.”

The award ceremony was held June 19 at the FCPA’s 61st Annual Summer Training Conference and Exposition Banquet in Bonita Springs, Florida. Chief Radzilowski and Captain William Fowler, along with Ms. Tami Spyker, who as a private citizen serves as the Neighborhood Watch Liaison for West Bradenton, were in attendance to accept the award.