Law Enforcement BPD Promotes New Leaders as Deputy Chief Retires

Retiring Deputy Chief J.J. Lewis

BRADENTON – Deputy Police Chief J.J. Lewis is retiring Saturday from the Bradenton Police Department after nearly three decades on the force. He began his law enforcement career as a BPD officer on Oct. 31, 1985, after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.

Deputy Lewis  worked his way through the ranks, serving under four police chiefs, to become Major, then Deputy Chief–the second highest rank on the police force. Captain Keith Davis is being promoted to Deputy Chief and will replace Lewis. The move touched off several other promotions to fill positions opened up by Davis' ascent.

Lt. Darrell Akemon will become a captain on April 1 as he takes over Davis's former post as patrol operations commander. Sgt. James Racky, will be promoted to lieutenant in charge of District 1 and Nicol Scholer will also advance, from a sergeant to a lieutenant, while remaining in the professional standards department. Master Patrol Officer Sean O'Leary will be promoted to sergeant in the patrol division, moving from traffic to the streets.