By Cindy Peterson
John Graczyk Sworn In As Clermont Police Chief
After more than two decades in law enforcement and months serving as interim chief, John Graczyk has officially been sworn in as Chief of Police for the City of Clermont.
Chief Graczyk, a former U.S. Marine who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, joined the Clermont Police Department in 2005 as a patrol officer and quickly climbed the ranks. His leadership experience spans multiple divisions, including stints as Sergeant in the Patrol Division and Crime Suppression Unit, Captain of the Uniform Service Division, and most recently, Deputy Chief.
In April, he was appointed interim chief following the departure of former Chief Charles Broadway, who left the agency for another position. On Thursday, city officials announced that the interim title had been removed.
“Chief Graczyk is a dedicated officer who has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to lead the Clermont Police Department,” Interim City Manager Rick Van Wagner says. “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.”
Chief Graczyk is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Program, the Florida Leadership Academy, and the FBI LEEDA Executive Seminar. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and maintains active membership in both 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 in a statement. “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.”
Chief Graczyk is inviting residents to join him for his first public community event, Sweet Tea with Chief “G”. The informal meet-and-greet will take place on June 24, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Mission BBQ, located at 1225 E Hwy 50 in Clermont. The event offers community members an opportunity to enjoy sweet tea and engage in open, casual conversation with the city’s new police chief. Residents are encouraged to stop by, ask questions, share concerns or simply say hello as part of the department’s ongoing effort to strengthen community relationships.
Originally from the small town of Berryville, Arkansas, Cindy has become a multimedia specialist in journalism, photography, videography, and video editing. She has a B.S. in Communications from the University of Central Arkansas and produces Style Magazine's Sports Hub Podcast and the Healthy Living Podcast. She also produces for Beacon College’s Telly Award-winning PBS show, “A World of Difference.” When she isn’t working, Cindy loves traveling the National Parks with her husband , Ryan, and son, David, photographing wildlife.
