PRESS RELEASE FROM THE SOUTHWEST FLORIDA POLICE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MARCH 30, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT:

Mick McHale

(941) 366-1436

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA PBA PRESIDENT MICK MCHALE STRONGLY CONDEMNS CHIEF OF POLICE MELANIE BEVAN FOR FIRING POLICE OFFICER PATRICK MAHONEY AFTER HE EXPOSED CORRUPTION IN THE BRADENTON POLICE DEPARTMENT

BRADENTON, FL– The following statement can be attributed to Southwest Florida PBA President Mick McHale:

“If there remained any doubts about whether Chief Bevan is out to destroy the careers of the dedicated men and women of her own police department, today’s termination of Patrick Mahoney should remove all doubt. Just two weeks ago, Officer Mahoney bravely came forward with a lawsuit against Chief Bevan to expose the rampant pattern of corruption committed by Chief Bevan and her underlings. Officer Mahoney’s claims are completely protected under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. Sadly, Chief Bevan doesn’t believe the Constitution matters, as evidenced by today’s firing of Officer Mahoney, which is nothing short of retaliation. The PBA has a long list of members who will continue to come forward and expose the Chief’s abuse of power through litigation and incontrovertible evidence. We condemn the firing of Officer Mahoney and any future attempts by Chief Bevan to retaliate against any of our members for obeying the rule of law.”