Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Where was the St. Pete PD Command Staff


Sunday, Bubba the Love Sponge and his foundation hosted their 4th motorcycle ride to support law enforcement injured or killed in the line of duty. The event started and ended at Jim's Harley Davison in St. Petersburg.

Over 600 hundred or so riders showed up, the Pinellas County Sheriff showed up, couple of the surrounding County Sheriffs had staff representatives there, the Lakeland Police Chief was there, even Mayor Foster showed up.

Who did not show up? Not a single command staff representative of the St. Petersburg Police Department. Not the Chief, not an assistant Chief, not a Major, no one.

The Motorcycle Unit was there along with several others to lead the ride. Patrol helped with traffic, a couple of officers who regularly ride in these events were there as was one guy from the PD building maintenance Department.

I don't know about everyone else, but as someone who just retired from the PD, and was there when we lost three officers, I thought it was a bit of a snub, and downright embarrassing.

The boys on the third floor at the PD didn't have any trouble snuggling up to Bubba a couple of years ago when they had a need, but now not so much. Let's hope they don't need Bubba's help any time soon, but then I think Bubba's heart is a lot bigger than his memory is long.

This is typical of the Harmon, Williams, Gordon, DeKay mentality, it's all about me and the moment. Nice day for golf, church, hanging with some friends, who would want to hang around with a bunch of bikers when you don't need them?

Alone on the stage Mayor Foster made some very appropriate comments, but did not once mention the St. Petersburg Police Department by name. If it bothered him it did not show, but he has been covering for the poor leadership at the PD for a while now. It has to be wearing thin.

e-mail doc at: dr.webb@verizon.net

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