New Leadership for MIPD

Community leaders, residents,and law enforcement personnel gathered at the Community Room at 51 Bald Eagle Drive on May 27, 2026, to recognize Police Chief Tracy Frazzano’s traditional “walk out” ceremony and also to witness the swearing-in ceremony of Officer Joseph Belardo as the new Interim Police Chief for the Marco Island Police Department. 

In the words from the benediction by Pastor Ed Brandt of the United Church of Marco Island, “We pray for new chapters to begin for retiring Chief Tracy Frazzano, and for Interim Police Chief Joe Belardo.” 

After nearly seven years as Chief of Police for the Marco Island Police Department, Frazzano was recognized for her leadership and for her signature accomplishment of a full agency accreditation and re-accreditation.At the March 16 City Council Meeting, the department was recognized for achieving re-accreditation, which reflected three full years of unwavering commitment to the highest standards recognized by Florida’s law enforcement community. 

Newly sworn-in Interim Police Chief Joseph Belardo has been with the Marco Island Police Department for more than six years, starting his service as a patrol officer before obtaining the rank of lieutenant. He started his career in law enforcement in Schodack, New York, in 1990 and retired as Police Chief in 2020, spanning a career dedicated to law enforcement for 25 years. Belardo joined the Marco Island Police Department in April 2020, where he was promoted to Sergeant in 2023 and to Lieutenant in 2025.  

Belardo holds two master’sdegrees, including a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in the Administration of Justice and Security. He and his wife, Renee, also operated Blue Wave Swim School, a community-focused program dedicated to youth water safety. Belardo comes from a multi-generational law enforcement family and is a proud husband, father of three, and grandfather of two. 

Belardo addressed the gathering by thanking “all my colleagues, friends, and neighbors for their presence, which underscores the importance of local government in general and local enforcement in particular to the Marco Island community.” He added, “I have always believed that policing is a noble profession. Throughout my career, I have tried to serve with that belief at the forefront. While today’s ceremony highlights my appointment as Interim Police Chief, I want to redirect the focus to the dedicated individuals of this organization – those who serve this community every day. Leaders often receive credit for an organization’s accomplishments, but true success comes from the hard work, commitment, and collaboration of the people within it. Through teamwork, we can achieve truly remarkable things.” 

Belardo said,“I joined this department as a patrol officer six years ago, and I worked alongside many of you on holidays, nights, and weekends. I have witnessed first-hand your dedication, compassion, and professionalism.” He also thanked the members of the Marco Island Police Foundation, “I deeply value your support and look forward to continuing our collaborative relationship and perhaps bringing home another chili trophy.” And addressing the City Manager, Dr. Casey Lucius, and members of the City Council, “I thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to meeting your expectations and working closely with you to serve this city and its citizens.” 

Addressing the community, Belardo remarked, “I want to thank you for allowing me the honor of serving you, and I look forward to hearing your concerns, understanding your expectations, and working every day to meet them. I thank you for the trust you place in our department.  It is a privilege to serve you.”