Lt. John Cosby will be the next chief of police in Bradenton Beach when Chief Sam Speciale retires Oct. 8.
City commissioners voted unanimously March 18 to accept Mayor John Chappie’s nomination of Cosby to the city’s top cop position.
After 35 years of service, in a letter dated Oct. 9, 2020, Speciale provided Chappie his one-year notice of retirement, setting his final service day of Oct. 8, 2021.
Speciale was not at the March 18 meeting.
Cosby is ready for the job. He’s a 34-year veteran of the BBPD. And the community regards him as a leader.
Representing the Sandpiper Resort in Bradenton Beach, Tracy Miller, who attended the meeting to sing Cosby’s praises on behalf of the mobile home park’s residents, called the lieutenant an asset to the community.
“He knows many of our residents by name and not because he’s arrested them, but because he says ‘hello’ during his patrol and takes time to listen to them,” Miller said.
Danny Raines, along with his wife, Linda, also lives in the Sandpiper Resort. He met Cosby a few years ago, when “he was a first responder to a horrific situation in the park.” Raines said Cosby is considerate, professional and caring.
Adding to the vote of confidence in Cosby’s ability to lead the police department, Bridge Street business owner Angela Rodocker wrote her comments in a letter to commissioners read by city attorney Ricinda Perry: “I find him to be clear, logical, motivated and knowledgeable.”
Rodocker said Cosby’s handling of his duties with aplomb and compassion is “a win-win-win” for the city.
Cosby said he appreciated the favorable comments and looked “forward to moving up and continuing to serve the community.”
Cosby has served as the city’s emergency management coordinator and has led all storm responses during his tenure.
He is set to assume the chief’s position Oct. 9.
He’s planning to continue working toward a smooth transition.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department is at 403 Highland Ave., Bradenton Beach.