Saturday, November 14, 2026
John Belardo, Anthony Belardo, Joseph Belardo, and Renee Belardo.
Joseph Belardo
MIPD Police Chief
Joseph Belardo comes from a multigenerational law enforcement family. Both he and his father served aspolice chief in the same department in Schodack, New York. His father was the second police chief during the 70s and 80s, and Belardo was the sixth, from 2017-2020. Belardo’s son, Anthony, currently serves as a police officer in upstate New York.
Belardo and his wife Reneestarted Blue Wave Swim School, teaching swimming in Marco Island and Naples, after moving to and livingin Southwest Florida for a few years. He started working for the Marco Island Police Department in 2020, was promoted to Sergeant in 2023, Lieutenant in 2025, served as Interim Police Chief in early 2026, and was appointed Chief in early August.
Which historical figure do you most admire?
Teddy Roosevelt. He was considered by many to be the first “modern” president; he was a conservationist, and he enhanced the United States’ role as a global power.
What makes you proud to be an American?
I am proud to be an American because the United States stands as a beacon of freedom — a nation built on the belief that people everywhere deserve to live with dignity, liberty, and self‑determination. I’m proud to be an American because our ideals don’t just shape our own future; they inspire those around the world who seek to live free.
If you would like to nominate a Veteran or local hero to be featured in Celebrating America Through Local Eyes, contact Brittany Richards at brittany@coastalbreezenews.com.
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