Release posted on 02-18-26 at 10:32 AM

The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg will present the 2025 Ned March/Bud Purdy Award to Detective Jason A. Harris and Sergeant Joseph H. Clester on Friday, February 20, at noon at the Yacht Club.

Detective Jason A. Harris has been with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 17 years and is currently a supervisor over Property Crimes. In 2024, Detective Harris worked for four consecutive months on Operation Pedigree, a wire investigation targeting a large-scale dog-fighting operation, working daily, including weekends, and remaining available throughout the case. On July 19, 2024, he assisted in executing six residential search and arrest warrants and conducted multiple interviews, resulting in the rescue of 116 dogs, earning him the Chief's Award of Excellence for his work. He then assisted in a missing person investigation that became a homicide case, identified a burned residence as the crime scene, and helped identify and arrest a suspect, leading to case closure. In 2025, he was assigned the year's most demanding homicide investigation and continues to work toward its resolution, while also assisting in another homicide investigation that resulted in an arrest and case closure.

Sergeant Joseph H. Clester, a New York native, has been with the St. Petersburg Police Department for 20 years and is currently a supervisor over Property Crimes. In 2024, he addressed an increase in downtown phone thefts by identifying a pattern involving stolen credit cards, obtaining surveillance footage, coordinating with a statewide prosecutor, and assisting in identifying suspects, leading to arrests and a reduction in the crime pattern. In 2025, he began supervising the Property Crimes Unit, assisted new personnel and supervisors in their transitions, and supported initiatives to improve case-closure tracking and coordination with the State Attorney's Office.

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