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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 17, 2002
ST. PETERSBURG -- Before he became a St. Petersburg police officer 20 years ago, Dave DeKay was a bartender.
"Hey chief, down here!" bar patrons would call out. DeKay didn't mind "buddy" and "barkeep" as monikers.
"Chief was always the one that irritated me," DeKay said.
Well, DeKay is a chief now. On Friday, he was promoted to assistant police chief and will supervise the city's 456 patrol officers.
"I never would have thought I'd be this far," said DeKay, 49, after a city ceremony attended by his wife and parents at the Bayfront Center. "I was goal-oriented, but I never set my sights on being the chief. I'm pretty happy about it."
Police Chief Chuck Harmon also promoted Tom Carey, former traffic lieutenant, to major of District III, and Lisa McKinney to lieutenant of District 1.
Seven officers -- James Alese, Timothy Brockman, Joseph Collins, James Haley, W. Kevin Smith, Scott MacDonald and Carl Watts -- became sergeants. Emergency dispatcher Brandie Ball was promoted to communications supervisor.
This was Harmon's first round of promotions since he was appointed chief in December.
Mayor Rick Baker also attended and congratulated the officers.
"I thank you for taking the courage to step up to a new level of leadership," Baker said.
Haley, 41, one of those promoted to sergeant, had plenty to be happy about.
After 20 years with the department, he earned his first promotion. "I'm glad I finally made it," he said.
Watts was promoted to sergeant after 10 years with the department.
"Oh man," said Watts, 34. "Super day. I feel great. This is a long process."
McKinney, 36, was promoted from sergeant to lieutenant in District 1, which includes Midtown and neighborhoods south of Central Avenue. "I'm still kind of spinning," she said. "I'm excited."