An interim police chief has been chosen to step in just days after the current long-term Marco Island police chief announced her retirement.
The City of Marco Island has announced that it will swear in Interim Police Chief Joe Belardo at 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 27.
In addition to swearing in the interim police chief, there will be a recognition ceremony for Police Chief Tracy Frazzano, who has served as a law enforcement officer for about three decades.
The public is invited to attend the ceremony in the Community Room at 51 Bald Eagle Drive in Marco Island.
During her tenure, Frazzano said, one of her proudest accomplishments was accrediting and reaccrediting the police department.
“I cannot express my appreciation enough for the way this community has supported me and all department members during daily interactions, times of crises, and so many partnerships and services,” Frazzano wrote in a memo announcing her retirement. “The people here show up on sunny days and on dark days of extreme adversity such as hurricanes Ian, Helene and Milton.”
Frazzano praised her colleagues at Marco Island Police, saying, “We would not be designated consistently as one of the safest cities in Florida without your service and commitment.”
Marco Island has been ranked among the 10 safest cities across Florida.
During her tenure, Frazzano also won a battle against cancer.
Who is the new interim police chief?
Replacing her as the Interim Chief of Police is Joe Belardo, who began his career in New York and served as a police chief until 2020. He joined the Marco Island Police Department shortly after and has since then promoted twice: to sergeant in 2023 and lieutenant in 2025.
Belardo and his wife also operate a community-focused program dedicated to youth water safety, known as Blue Wave Swim School.
“Please join the city in celebrating two outstanding public servants,” the City of Marco Island said in a press release announcing the ceremony.
Tayeba Hussein is a breaking news reporter for The News-Press & Naples Daily News. Reach her at thussein@usatodayco.com.
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This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Marco Island Police to swear in interim chief as current chief retires
Reporting by Tayeba Hussein, Fort Myers News-Press & Naples Daily News / Fort Myers News-Press
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