Bradenton Beach Appoints Lt. Lenard Diaz as Next Police Chief
Bradenton Beach has selected its next police chief, promoting longtime Lieutenant Lenard Diaz to lead the department beginning Oct. 1.
The Bradenton Beach City Commission unanimously approved Diaz’s appointment during its July 16 meeting following a nomination by Mayor John Chappie. Diaz will succeed Chief John Cosby, who will transition full-time into the role of public works director after already serving in that capacity on an acting basis while continuing to oversee the city’s emergency management operations.
Under the city charter, the mayor is responsible for nominating the police chief and several other key city officials, including the public works director, city clerk, treasurer, city attorney, building official and city planner.
Cosby announced in May that he planned to step away from the police department after serving as chief since 2021, when he succeeded former Chief Sam Speciale.
Diaz said he carefully considered pursuing the position after Cosby’s announcement and discussed the decision with his family before expressing his interest. He later described becoming police chief as a longtime professional goal.
Diaz brings nearly four decades of law enforcement and public safety experience to the position. His career began with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections officer from 1986 to 1989 before joining the Bradenton Beach Police Department as a patrol officer. He later served with the Palmetto Police Department from 1990 to 2002 before returning to Bradenton Beach, where he has continued his career and risen through the ranks.
According to his professional resume, Diaz has experience in patrol operations, corrections, field training, supervision, investigations, internal affairs, traffic homicide investigations, narcotics enforcement and crime scene techniques.
Mayor Chappie said the city has traditionally promoted from within when possible and pointed to Diaz’s years of service, investigative experience and reputation within the department as reasons for the appointment.
Commissioners also voiced strong support for the promotion, noting Diaz’s dedication and long-standing service before approving the appointment with a unanimous vote followed by applause.
The commission will negotiate Diaz’s salary before he officially assumes the chief’s position on Oct. 1.
In other police-related business, commissioners unanimously accepted a $10,000 donation from the Anna Maria Island Moose Lodge 2188 to purchase additional protective equipment for officers. The funds will be used to buy eight ballistic mini-shields and carrying systems, which are expected to cost approximately $7,343.
Commissioners Ralph Cole and Deborah Scaccianoce also requested future discussions with Manatee County officials about increasing law enforcement patrols on overcrowded beaches.
