Bradenton's Deputy Police Chief Announces Retirement

BRADENTON – Deputy Chief of Police Keith F. Davis of the City of Bradenton Police Department has announced that he will effectively retire on May 24 of this year, concluding 25 career service years with the force. His wealth of expertise, professionalism and knowledge of law enforcement practices will be greatly missed.

Deputy Chief Davis began his career with the City of Bradenton Police Department as a Parking Enforcement Officer on April 25th, 1988, and was soon transferred to the Patrol Division on July 20th, 1988, where he served until he was transferred to the Special Investigations Unit in October of 1992. Davis successfully rose through the ranks in both the Patrol and Detective Divisions earning Patrol Corporal in 1997; Patrol Sergeant in 1999; Detective Lieutenant in 2003; Patrol Captain in 2011; and Deputy Chief of Police in 2012.

BPD Deputy Chief of Police Keith Davis

Deputy Chief Davis has also served as a S.W.A.T. Team Member/Commander, and an Advanced Firearms Instructor. In 1997, he was named Officer of the Year by the Police Benevolent Association, and has also been the recipient of numerous departmental awards and citizen commendations.

“Deputy Chief Davis has served as a credible advisor, and his extensive investigative background is beyond reproach," said Chief of Police Michael Radzilowski. "Deputy Chief Davis ranks as one of the best criminal interrogators that I have worked with over my four decades of law enforcement experience."

Radzilowski credited Davis with being "instrumental in overseeing or investigating every major criminal investigation that has occurred in the City of Bradenton over the past two decades," and said that his "steadfast leadership to the men and women of this Police Department and dedicated service to the citizens of the City of Bradenton will be remembered for years to come.”

Mayor Wayne Poston said that the Deputy Chief "has been a personal and professional friend during my tenure as Mayor and Police Commissioner," and that "He is the consummate professional policeman; tough but fair, strong but compassionate and respectful of every citizen. The Bradenton Police Department will miss him and I will miss him as well. But I am thankful for the time he has served the City, and thank him for that.”

As Davis winds down his storied and decorated career, the Deputy Chief reflected  on his time with BPD. “I always knew that I wanted to spend my entire career with the City of Bradenton Police Department, and I have had the good fortune to work for such a professional organization, and with an outstanding staff," Davis said. "In addition to the hard work of our personnel, the support I’ve received from Mayor/Police Commissioner Wayne Poston, the business community, and citizenry cannot be over stated.”

TBT salutes Deputy Chief Davis' service to the community and wishes him a happy retirement.