Release posted on 02-02-24 at 3:40 p.m.

The St. Petersburg Police Department congratulates Detective M. (undercover) and Detective Brian Bilbrey for being honored with the 2023 Ned March/Bud Purdy Award, a prestigious award presented today by the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg to recognize their outstanding careers within the Department.

Detective M has been a sworn officer with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 16 years. She is currently assigned to the Special Intelligence Unit. Her involvement in significant cases led to the arrest and prosecution of several individuals involved in a scam that often resulted in devastating financial losses for the victims. Detective M is also instrumental in monitoring potential unrest, utilizing her bilingual skills to assist other detectives and officers, and supporting the HOME Unit in human trafficking operations.

Detective Bilbrey has been a sworn officer of the St. Petersburg Police Department for 14 years. As a Major Crimes Detective, Bilbrey has been the lead detective on 15 homicide cases with an astounding 86% closure rate, significantly surpassing the national average. Detective Bilbrey was the lead detective in the tragic case involving a mother's murder and her missing two-year-old son, who was later found deceased. Leading the investigation, he coordinated with multiple agencies to secure a Grand Jury indictment for two counts of 1st-degree Murder against the suspect.

The St. Petersburg Police Department thanks the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg for its continued support and sponsorship of this annual award.