John Graczyk was named Clermont Police Chief. “Chief Graczyk is a dedicated officer who has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to lead the Clermont Police Department,” Interim City Manager Rick Van Wagner said. “Our City Council, our staff, and our community have made it very clear who they believe should be Clermont’s next Police Chief. It was an easy decision and we are pleased to have him.” A former United States Marine who served in Iraqi Freedom, Chief Graczyk joined the Clermont Police Department in 2005 as a patrol officer and quickly rose through the ranks. He served as a Sergeant in the Patrol Division and the Crime Suppression Unit as well as Captain of the Uniform Service Division. In January 2022 he was named Deputy Chief and in April, was asked to serve as Interim Chief when then-Chief Charles Broadway stepped down to accept a position at another agency.
Chief Graczyk has experience at all levels of police work as well as the administrative and operational aspects of a law enforcement agency. A recent graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy, Chief Graczyk also graduated from the Southern Police Institute’s 80th Command Officer Development Program, the Florida Leadership Academy, and the FBI LEEDA Executive Seminar.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and is a member of the Florida Police Chiefs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. “Clermont is my home and I am honored to be given this opportunity to lead this outstanding staff of sworn officers, civilian staff and volunteers,” Chief Graczyk said. “I am grateful for the overwhelming support of this community, our City Council, Interim City Manager and staff, my family and the entire department. I am excited and eager to continue to find new and better ways to protect and serve our community,” An avid soccer fan and a decent basketball player, Chief Graczyk lives in Clermont with his amazing wife and three very energetic children.
