The man who has led one of the nation's premiere search and rescue organizations, Texas Task Force 1, has resigned.

The Texas Engineering Extension Service, based at Texas A&M, announced Bob McKee's resignation Friday. TX TF-1 is part of TEEX.

McKee has been with TEEX since 2002, but had been put on paid administrative leave March 12 after an anonymous complaint filed about him to a third-party service used by the Texas A&M System. The nature of the complaint has not been released by the System.

“My first priority has always been serving the citizens of the State of Texas and the nation and that to that end, I offer my resignation," McKee wrote in his letter of resignation. "I will always be proud of my association with TEEX and the task force. I’m taking this action, after lengthy consideration, so both the agency and I can move forward."

TEEX, in a press release, notes their investigation into the complaint continues and will be completed regardless of McKee's resignation.

Billy Parker has been serving as the interim director of TX TF-1 and Disaster Preparedness and Response, and will continue in that role for the time being.

“The agency will consider a full range of options for future management," said Gary Sera, TEEX's CEO. "We appreciate Bob’s commitment to TEEX and TX TF-1 and wish him all the best in future endeavors."

McKee played a major part in leading search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero following the 9/11 attacks, at the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, and with numerous hurricanes, including Katrina and Rita.