Chief gets an award

Longboat Key police chief Pete Cumming is retiring, but he's not leaving without an award.

On Tuesday, the Rotary Club of Longboat Key honored Cumming with a Paul Harris Fellow award, which is named for the organization's founder and is given to anyone (including non-Rotarians) who illustrates the club's mission. 

"He embodies service above self," Rotarian Nancy Rozance said. "It's just a way for our club to say thanks." 

In a nod to COVID concerns, the award ceremony included a bit of subterfuge. Rozance delivered a wrapped pin and certificate to the police station with instructions to Cumming not to open it until Sept. 22.