By STEPHEN THOMPSON| The Tampa Tribune

Published: September 10, 2009

CLEARWATER - Radio shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem today handed over a check for $26,000 for two St. Petersburg police officers shot in the line of duty, and for the family of a Hernando County deputy killed in an automobile accident.

The check was made out to Sun Coast Law Enforcement Charities and was delivered at the headquarters of the Sun Coast Police Benevolent Association. The money was raised four months ago during a fundraiser involving more than 3,000 motorcyclists,

Initially, $13,000 was to go toward the medical expenses incurred after one St. Petersburg undercover officer was shot and wounded earlier this year. But that officer asked that half be given to the expenses incurred by his partner, another undercover officer, who was shot and wounded in an incident last year, said Mark Marland, the president of the Sun Coast PBA and a detective with St. Petersburg police.

The names of the two officers are not being printed due to the undercover nature of their work.

The other $13,000 is going to be given to the family of Hernando County sheriff's Capt. Scott Bierwiler, who died earlier this year when a car smashed head-on into his Ford Crown Victoria, Marland said.

While presenting the check, Clem made reference to other officers who have more recently died in the line of duty -- including Tampa police Cpl. Michael Roberts, who was shot and killed last month. He called the slaying of officers a "disturbing epidemic."

After the presentation, Clem said the $26,000 was raised by the motorcycle fundraiser through a variety of methods – entry fees, a raffle, and a silent auction. Among those who gave money or items to be auctioned were the Tampa Bay Lightning, a member of the Globetrotters, and Hulk Hogan, he said.

During the presentation, Clem beseeched a roomful of officers and supporters to make next year's fundraiser bigger and better. But afterwards, he said, that doesn't necessarily mean he wants more motorcycles on the road than there were on May 9, going from one Hooter's franchise to another.

In fact, he doesn't want a ride at all, as he fears a greater number of motorcyclists on the road, some of whom might drink beer during those pit-stops at Hooter's, might increase the chances for an accident. Instead, he envisions a motorcycle show, perhaps accompanied by a concert.