by Chuck Seaver and the team at the South Lake Tablet
The City of Clermont hosted a farewell luncheon on Thursday, March 27th, in honor of Police Chief Chuck Broadway. Numerous law enforcement officers from agencies throughout the central Florida area, including the Florida Highway Patrol and Florida Department of Law Enforcement, attended the luncheon.
City employees, friends, family members and local dignitaries attended the luncheon, including the city and the Lake County Sheriff’s Department presentations.
City of Clermont Mayor Tim Murry spoke, sometimes emotionally, about the accomplishments of Chief Broadway during his 15-year career with the city. “I remember the first time that I met the chief at an event at McKinney Park. He had just been hired as the department’s captain, and I truly had no idea who he was, but he quickly started helping in giving away toys that had been collected for underprivileged children at the event. The Chief also took on a game of basketball with the children at the community party. I knew right away that we were going to get along well and that we have,” says Murry. Murry credited the chief for having a positive impact on the entire community, including his involvement with many area organizations, including the Christian Men in Action. “The chief always has a happy walk – a walk that says that I’m here to help,” says Murry.
Lake County Sheriff’s Department Major Christie Mysinger presented a plaque of appreciation to Chief Broadway on behalf of the sheriff’s office for his due diligence in fostering teamwork among law enforcement agencies throughout Lake County. Broadway was credited during the presentation for bringing agencies closer together and encouraging inter-agency training programs.
Groveland Police Chief Sean Ramsey reminisced of when he was first hired by the City of Groveland. “Chief Broadway was on the selection board that interviewed me for the chief’s position. Although I never did hear whether his vote was a yay or nay on my hiring, I can say that the Chief and I have grown to be good friends and allies in our agencies working together,” says Ramsey, with a chuckle.
Command staff of the Clermont Police Department, including Deputy Chief John Graczyk presented Chief Broadway an American flag that was flown over the Clermont police headquarters for 3 months in the chief’s honor. Staff also presented him with a shadow box of memorabilia, including service ribbons earned during his tenure with Clermont. In keeping with law enforcement tradition, the chief’s service weapon was presented to him in an engraved, wooden presentation box. It ended with an emotional moment, as a bouquet of fresh flowers were presented to the chief’s wife, Dana Broadway. “Thank you for loaning him to us for 15 years, Dana. We appreciate your support of both the chief and our agency,” says Graczyk.
Chief Broadway will be retiring from the Clermont Police Department to pursue a new chapter in his leadership life by joining the Kissimmee Police Department as the department’s Chief of Police. “I have always wanted to lead a large agency, and I feel that this door was opened to pursue that opportunity. I will forever be grateful to the people of Clermont and the wonderful staff at the Clermont Police Department. They are the best of the best,” says Broadway.
The Kissimmee Police Department (KPD) is located within Osceola County and has a city population of 82,639 people while covering 21 square miles of incorporated city limits. With a population that has more than doubled in the past 25 years, the KPD boasts 152 sworn officers and 88 civilian staff members.
The Clermont Police Department’s Deputy Chief, John Graczyk, will act as the interim police chief until further notice. We at the South Lake Tablet wish Chief Broadway and his family all the best in this next chapter of their lives. We thank you, Chief Broadway, for the positive image that you have instilled in the City of Clermont.
