Two St. Petersburg Police Department officers will be awarded the prestigious Ned March/Bud Purdy Award at a luncheon at noon on Friday, February 28th at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club (11 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL). This year Detective Michael Bauer and Richard Mckee will be recognized at a ceremony put on by the St. Petersburg Rotary Club.

Officer Richard McKee has served at SPPD for more than 30 years and has worked in a variety of roles. He's been a Patrol Officer, Community Service Officer, a Field Training Officer, an ATF Task Force Officer, a School Resource Officer, Downtown Deployment Officer and a Vice & Narcotics Detective. He also served on the SWAT Team, was a member of the Special Event Response Team, and is a state-certified high liability instructor. Additionally Officer McKee served our country for 23 years in the United States Air Force and Navy as a Master at Arms (military law enforcement).

His past accomplishments are numerous, but his present contributions to our police force are an essential benefit, especially to the younger officers who are rising through the ranks. He is quick to lend a helping hand to his old units, with administrative and maintenance tasks that only an experienced member could fulfill. He assists with firearm qualifications and currently fills-in as Acting Sergeant for his squad when needed.

Off-duty, he dedicates a good amount of his free-time to volunteering with the elderly or church members who need home repairs.

Detective Michael Bauer has served St. Petersburg for the past ten years, and has made many accomplishments as a Patrol Officer, Federal Task Force Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team member, a Burglary Detective, a member of the COTA Unit and currently, as a Major Crimes Detective.

Bauer is known for doggedly pursuing every lead and is great at taking advantage of partnerships with other agencies and entities to assist in his investigations. His commitment to seeking justice for victims and their families is commendable. As a SWAT Team member, he is responsible for planning and executing high risk search warrants, and providing protection for visiting dignitaries.

Aside from his duties he's a father of four and manages to be a dedicated mentor in both the Take Stock in Children Lunch and the Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs. He was selected as "Outstanding Mentor of the Year" for the 2015/2016 school year.

St. Petersburg Rotary Club member Ned March started the awards after joining the group in 1941. It is said he had two great loves in life - the St. Petersburg Police Department and the Rotary Club. He personally funded these awards for ten years. The award was renamed the Ned March/Bud Purdy award in recognition of former St. Petersburg Chief of Police E. Wilson "Bud" Purdy, who was friends with March.