A few days before his 38th work anniversary with the Covington Police Department (CPD), Philip Bradford was named the department’s chief of police. 

Bradford told The Covington News what the promotion means to him. 

“It’s a lifelong dream come true,” Bradford said. 

The announcement came after Bradford was named the interim chief following Stacey Cotton’s retirement in May. 

Bradford was heading out of town when he received the news and said he returned over 100 emails and texts saying, “Congratulations” and “proud of ya.” 

Working for the CPD was a dream born when Bradford was in second grade. Bradford first became interested in working with the CPD because of his dad, Herman. His dad was a CPD officer, too, and made it all the way to captain before leaving to work for the Newton County Sheriff's Office. 

It was one particular day Bradford recalls where he made his mind up that the CPD was the place for him. 

“He came and spoke to my second grade class and I remember saying it growing up, ‘I’m going to be a Covington police officer one day,’” Bradford said. “I never changed that story. It wasn’t, ‘I’m going to be a police officer when I grow up.’ It was, ‘I’m going to be a Covington police officer.’ I knew where I was going to work.” 

The next few years went by and Bradford graduated from the Baptist Tabernacle Christian School in May 1985. He was 17 years old and not eligible to be hired just yet at the CPD. 

So, he went to work at Wood Office Supply — a business that used to be on the Covington Square — as a delivery boy. 

Bradford turned 18 in September 1985 and was officially hired on Nov. 7, 1985. 

Positions held by Bradford include jailer, patrol officer, sergeant, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief of police. Additionally, Bradford has been the commander of the East Metro Drug Enforcement team, commander for the Covington Police Viper unit, morning watch commander, assigned to the DEA Task Force and led the Criminal Investigative Division. 

Throughout his time with the CPD, Bradford has appreciated one thing above all else. 

“The men and women of CPD. The people I work with day in and day out and throughout the years. The relationships I’ve made. That would be No. 1,” Bradford said. “ No. 2, is my relationships I've had throughout the community over the years. And being able to help people in the community.” 

Bradford earned a bachelor’s degree from Troy University through the City of Covington’s tuition reimbursement program. He continued his educational experience with the DEA Drug Unit Commanders Academy, Mercer University Public Safety Leadership Institute, the FBI National Academy, the Dale Carnegie Public Speaking course and UGA Carl Vinson Institute Public Management. 

He was also recognized as a GILEE Delegate spending time in Israel in 2012. 

Among the plethora of honors Bradford has received is Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year, Covington Police Meritorious Service Award and the Making a Difference Award. 

Outside of law enforcement, Bradford has been a board member at the Salvation Army. He is currently the chairman of the board for Piedmont Technical College at the Law Enforcement Academy and is on the board of the Citizens Academy, too. 

Bradford’s main hobby is camping with his wife as they have traveled to different campsites around the southeast. Another hobby Bradford enjoys is doing renovation projects. 

Now, with Bradford’s dream becoming reality, he is excited to continue serving the area as CPD’s next chief of police. For him, two aspects of the area make working and living here extraordinary. 

“The people. In the police department and throughout the community, the people I have grown up with and known my entire life are what I would say,” Bradford said. “Watching the change and the growth here over the years. I have seen change through 38 years in this city. That’s a big part of it, too, being a part of that change and being a part of this growth has been special to me over the years.”