Broadway sworn in as police chief
ROXANNE BROWN | Staff Writer
roxannebrown@dailycommercial.com
After a four-month stint as Clermont's interim police chief, Charles "Chuck" Broadway was officially sworn in as the city's new chief, on a permanent basis, during Tuesday night city council meeting.
The occasion was historic, honoring Broadway as one of Lake County's first black police chiefs -- the first ever in South Lake County.
Before Broadway was sworn in, he said he was elated and looking forward to serving the residents of Clermont.
Broadway called his appointment "an early Christmas present" and said being South Lake County's first black chief is "humbling."
"It's indicative of the great of the country we live in and serves as a reminder that this is truly the land of opportunity," he said.
Dozens of residents attended the ceremony Tuesday. Police chiefs from other local cities and Clermont officers also attended. Others who attended included Lake County Sheriff Gary Borders, Orange County Sheriff Jerry Demings and his wife, Orlando's former Chief of Police Val Demings.
Before the ceremony, newly appointed City Manager Darren Gray, who's been on the job for six weeks, expressed his confidence in his choosing Broadway.
"I know the community has gone through a lot over the summer. My first order of business was to get the police department back on track. One of the first things I wanted to do was appoint our police chief," Gray said.
"Before I did that, I definitely spoke with those of you on the council and the community. I went to homeowner's association meetings and other civic organizations and I think Chief Broadway is probably the most popular person that we have in the entire city."
Gray went on to say that he feels Broadway exemplifies what he and others want in a police chief.
"His goals and objectives with the police department are exactly in line what we are looking for. I am very pleased to announce that we have appointed chief Broadway as our permanent chief as of today and we congratulate him," Gray said. He said that when he first interviewed Broadway a few years ago for the position of captain, he knew that one day, Broadway would become the city's next police chief.
Gray's words were followed by the administering of Broadway's Oath of Office by City Clerk Tracy Ackroyd administered the oath and Broadway's wife Dana Broadway pinned on his badge.
"Today is truly very humbling. It's truly dream come true and a vision that's come to pass," Broadway said followed by many thanks to God, mentors, family, community members and officials. "I am very optimistic of the city and the direction we are going. I look out into the audience and I see a diversity of people, colors races background nationalities. I see law enforcement officials, fire, EMT, business men and women, clergy, pastors, not for profit organizations, retirees, senior citizens, city mangers and city government officials."
"Those aforementioned groups truly delineate an effective philosophy of policing for today. I say that because if we can create that bond and foster open communication, transparency and dialogue, so we can address issues and concerns as they arise, either criminal or non-criminal, collectively, we can all make an impact on the community we serve, enhance the quality of life and deter crime. Thank you and god bless you all."
Broadway was appointed as interim police chief on July 31, following the resignation of former chief Steve Graham.
An investigation into accusations from former employees and officers claiming that there were incidents of favoritism, misconduct and retaliation during Graham's tenure is ongoing.
Since his appointment, Broadway has been hard at work making sure that the department is more transparent, visible and accessible to residents.
To do that, Broadway has stepped up the department's involvement at local events whenever possible and has implemented online programs to involve residents in the crime trends and police happenings within Clermont.
Broadway has turned to social media for added exposure, making use of Facebook and Twitter to keep residents informed.
Broadway has assigned officers to certain areas around Clermont, encouraging that they get involved with neighborhoods in various capacities, including neighborhood watch meetings and classes.
He is also focusing on increased visibility of his officers and in will instate a police reserves program in January, brining in retired officers to serve on a volunteer basis and to fill in gaps as needed.
Broadway is a 16-year veteran of law enforcement, and began his career with the New York City Police Department, where he rose to the rank of Detective.
After the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, he responded to Ground Zero and assisted with the search and recovery efforts.
Broadway moved to Florida in 2002 to be closer to his family, and worked for the Gainesville Police Department, where he also was promoted to the rank of Detective.
Broadway then served as a Special Agent for the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, then was promoted as a Special Agent Supervisor, overseeing several investigative functions and state initiatives. He later was assigned to oversee the Public Integrity Unit at the agency, which encompassed investigations of alleged misconduct of public officials and officer-involved shootings in the Central Florida region.
Since 2010, he held the post of Police Captain for the Clermont Police Department, until being assigned the Interim Police Chief role.
Broadway's salary was bumped by 20 percent to $84,156 when he was appointed interim chief.
His permanent salary is being negotiated, city officials said.
Friday, December 14, 2012 - www.dailycommercial.com/14dec2012broad