Former Clermont chief becomes Kissimmee's first African-American top cop
The city of Kissimmee has moved forward – with a new Chief of Police who emphatically acknowledged Tuesday that the Kissimmee Police Department is “moving in one direction only, and that’s forward.”
Charles “Chuck” Broadway was officially sworn in and began work Tuesday as the city and KPD’s 35th police chief, and first African-American “top cop”.
“I’m humbled, I’m blessed to serve as the 35th police chief of police in Kissimmee,” he said at his swearing-in ceremony at City Commission meeting moved from City Hall to the Kissimmee Civic Center to hold all its attendees. “I hope this inspires others. This moment isn’t about me, it’s about the dedicated men and women of the police department, the leadership of this city and the community, who I’m looking forward to serving. It’s not about me, but it’s on me.”
Broadway comes to Kissimmee from Clermont in Lake County, where he served 12 years as police chief. Overall, Broadway brings nearly three decades of experience that includes time with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and as a detective with the New York Police Department.
He said he wanted the chance to lead a larger agency and be “a person of influence,” here in Kissimmee, despite it being a department that had issues that must be immediately addressed.
“I’m a very ambitious person,” Broadway said. “This opportunity presented itself, and the city went through a very thorough a very challenging process. And this opens doors for those who I’ve mentored back in Clermont to reach their ambitious goals. Leadership is about influence. I hope to make a positive impact in this community and on the men and women who protect it.”
At a press conference shortly before his swearing-in Tuesday, the new chief outlined some pillars in his vision for the department: building a culture of trust, accountability, and prioritizing officer well-being; strengthening community partnerships and engagement, especially with youth; and providing high-level public safety through accountability.
“There will be Initiatives to ensure we’re not just engaged with the community in criminal encounters,” Broadway said. “We are more efficient when we work together.”
The goal of those pillars is to deter crime, reduce harm and the fear of crime, and uphold the highest standards of public safety, he said.
“We will make it uncomfortable for those who choose to commit crimes in the city of Kissimmee, while making decisions that uphold the community values” said the new chief. “That is the standard I will uphold as Chief of Police. Public safety is most effective when the agency works collaboratively with the community we serve. Shared responsibility and ownership in crime prevention enhances the quality of life for all.
“Changes have been made, and changes are coming. We will strengthen our department.”
Before concluding, he offered a charge to his fellow members of Kissimmee Police Department that channeled why law enforcement became the calling for the native of Long Island, New York.
“Always remember your ‘Why’ – why did you join this profession? Remembering your why keeps you motivated, inspired and focused. My ‘why’ was to make a difference in the lives of other people and make a difference in the community I swore to protect.”
Also Tuesday, the city presented Orange County Sheriff's Maj. Robert Anzueto, who served as interim chief for four months, a proclamation for his service. He made immediate changes in regard to a State Attorney’s Office investigation into how the prior regime investigated and reported cases involving excessive force; former Chief Betty Holland resigned in October 2024 in the wake of the investigation.
“I walked in Day One and was amazing with everyone,” Anzueto said. “I wish Chief Broadway the best. You all are in great hands; he is an absolutely wonderful leader who will do great things for this city.”
