Chili Cook-off

 
Last Saturday, the Marco Police Foundation Foundation and the Marco Police Department worked side by side in making and serving some great chili at the Marco Island Fire and Rescue  Foundation’s annual Jerry Adams Chili Cook-off.  Thanks to our chef and leader, Sergeant Joe Belardo, our chili claimed the first-place prize for the second straight year in the First Responder Category as voted by the patrons.  Great work Sergeant Belardo!  Ready for a three-peat next year?

Halloween 2024

 
Halloween is always a busy night for little goblins around Marco Island and the Marco Police Foundation.  The Police Foundation was proud to join the Marco Island Police Foundation in dispensing treats to all the little one’s who participated in the St. Mark’s Spooky Trail.  The following evening we assisted with traffic and crosswalk safety in the Tommy Barfield neighborhood for our island’s Halloween Trick or Treaters.  Fortunately, there were a lot more treats than tricks.

The Marco Police Foundation (MPF) awarded $35,000 in Fall Semester scholarships to ten students working on their undergraduate college degrees. MPF Scholarships are open to Marco Island Police Department personnel and their dependents, and are awarded in the Spring, Summer and Fall of each year.

Those receiving scholarships, along with the schools they are attending, include Devin Baer (Tampa), Irie Gray (Hawaii), Arianna Guyer (South Florida), Isabel Haueter (FGCU), Jordan Pohutsky (Embry Riddle), Morgan Pohutsky (Alabama), Michael Reyes
(Florida Gateway) and Joshua Stafford (an Iceland University).

In addition, Officers Hans Schmid and Melanie Lopez have been awarded scholarships as they work to complete their undergraduate work.

“We are please to present these scholarships to such a talented group of students,” said MPF President Michael Hook. “They are all outstanding candidates who are deserving of our support and the support of our community.”

For the 2024 calendar year, the MPF has now awarded almost $90,000 for the undergraduate studies of police officers and MIPD personnel dependents. “We are especially grateful to all those who donated to our Foundation’s scholarship fund,” added Hook. “The continued support of our community through our many fundraising initiatives is critical in helping us help these future leaders further their education.”

The Marco Island Police Foundation is a community-based, nonpolitical, civic-minded, charitable organization that works closely with the Marco Island Police Department in encouraging and promoting citizen participation in maintaining community safety. The foundation honors our police officers through special recognition programs, works to assist our officers and their children with their continuing education, and helps our community meet other challenges when necessary.

 

The Marco Police Foundation (MPF) awarded $35,000 in Fall Semester scholarships to ten students working on their undergraduate college degrees. MPF scholarships are awarded to Marco Island Police Department (MIPD) and their dependents.

Pictured are those presenting and receiving checks (from left to right) and include MPF Board Member Bill Kohut, MIPD Chief Tracy Frazzano, scholarship recipient Arianna Guyer, her dad Officer George Guyer, Officer Alan Reyes, his son Michael Reyes, Captain Dave Ennis, Sergeant Mark Haueter, Irie Gray, Officer Jon Gray and MPF Vice President Bob Myslivec.

“Going Above & Beyond”

The Marco Police Foundation (MPF) awarded a plaque of appreciation to the Marco Brewery and its owners, Mike Jones and Kent Ward, at its recent Board Meeting.  The Brewery was recognized for “going above and beyond” in assisting the MPF in its mission to aid the men and women of the Marco Island Police Department.  The restaurant hosts the MPF’s annual Rib Cook-off donating all the chicken and ribs meals to attendees.  Over 250 meals were served at last April’s event raising almost $20,000 for the MPF’s scholarship fund which provides grants to police personnel and their dependents.  The Brewery has hosted the MPF Rib Cook-off since 2011.

 

$100 Per Mile!

Special thanks to Arne (far left) & Jill Sandberg (far right) for their contribution to the Marco Police Foundation. Arne ran in the 50K marathon that was part of last month’s Keys 100 with Jill crewing for him. The Sandbergs donated $100 per every mile he completed (he completed all of them) splitting the donations between the Fire/Rescue Foundation, Our Daily Bread Food Pantry and the Police Foundation. Thank you Sandbergs for supporting our community!

2024 Memorial Day

Marco Island conducted its annual Memorial Day Remembrance at Veteran’s Park on Monday. Members of the Marco Police Foundation were on hand to honor those who have died defending our freedom, as well as highlighting their support for all of our Veterans.

Pictured from Left to Right:  Past President Vernon Geberth, Director Emeritus Tarik Ayasun, Directors Dan Collardey and John Caltibiano, Past President John DeRosa and Directors Kaya Tarhan, Al Benarroch, Michael Levine and Arne Sandberg

 

 

$10,000 donation to the Marco Police

A big thank you to the entire congregation of the United Church of Marco Island for their $10,000 donation to the Marco Police Foundation Scholarship Fund. Their generosity will fund this year’s entire summer school program for Marco police personnel and their dependents. THANK YOU!!!

 

Police Foundation Closes Season with Rib-Cookoff

Almost 300 people turned out at the Marco Brewery Saturday to enjoy a BBQ chicken dinner and ribs and support Marco Police Foundation.  Almost 100 door prizes were raffled off and a 50/50 raffle provided over $1000 to the lucky winner.  The event raised close to $20,000 for the Foundation’s scholarship fund.  A big thank you to all those who turned and supported this great cause.  Also, special thanks to the Marco Brewery for donating the chicken and ribs.

 

 

200 Attendees Fill Hideaway Ballroom for the
Marco Police Foundation’s Spring Lunch with the Chief

200 Marco community leaders, business leaders and police department supporters were in attendance for last week’s Marco Police Foundation’s Spring Lunch with the Chief.

During the luncheon, the Police Foundation awarded 12 year Marco Island Police Department (MIPD) Officer Josh Ferris with its 2023 Officer of Year, which was presented by MIPD Police Chief Tracy Frazzano.

In addition, attendees heard from guest speaker Tim McCarthy, a former Secret Service agent and former Town of Orland (Illinois) Police Chief.  Mr. McCarthy, was wounded while protecting President Ronald Reagan during the 1981 assassination attempt on the President’s life.  He talked about the Secret Service’s efforts in protecting our nation’s Presidents, as well as his insights on the day of the assassination.

 

Congratulations to the medal winners of the 2024 MPF Pickleball Slammer!
Thanks to all of the players whose skill, sportsmanship and generosity made the tournament such a great success.

MPF in the Community

Members of the Marco Police Foundation recently presented college scholarship checks for the 2024 Spring semester.  In all, the police foundation distributed $32,000 to officers and their families who are enrolled in undergraduate colleges and universities this semester.  For the current school year (Fall & Spring), the foundation has distributed $64,000 in scholarships.

 

Christmas Island Style Parade

Members of the Marco Police Foundation joined the MIPD to help at the recent Christmas Island Style Parade.  We gathered at police HQ before dispatching to our stations.  Thousands watched as 65 units marched in this year’s event.  

Captain Rich Stoltenborg Retires from MIPD

After over 40 years of law enforcement service, Captain Rich Stoltenborg retirementfrom the Marco Island Police Department was celebrated with a traditional walkout on October 12.

Captain Stoltenborg joined the MIPD in 2010 after serving 30 years in New Jersey’s Ridgefield Police Department, culminating in his rise to Chief.  While he began his law enforcement service on Marco Island as a patrol officer, Rich quickly rose to Captain  overseeing Investigations and Road Patrol.

In his down time, Rich founded the Marco Island Boxing Club training young people in Olympic style boxing and helping them develop character, confidence and discipline.  Many on Marco have enjoyed the club’s annual exhibitions.

While Captain Stoltenborg’s dedicated service to Marco Island residents will be missed, all of us in the Marco Police Foundation wish him well in his retirement.

October 24, 2023

Marco Police Foundation Golf Tournament A Smashing Success

Close to 100 golfers turned out to enjoy great weather and a wonderful golf course as the Marco Police Foundation hosted its annual golf tournament at Island Country Club on Saturday, October 7.

The event grossed over $40,000 with all proceeds going towards the foundation’s scholarship fund, which provides continuing education grants to Marco Island Police Department personnel and their children.  This year, the foundation has distributed more than $70,000 in scholarships.

Special thanks goes out our tournament sponsors that included:

The Tournament Golf Committee included Committee Chair Curt Koon, Al Benaroch, Gene Burson, Tracy Frazzano, Vern Geberth, Michael Hook, Bob Myslivec, Arne Sandberg, Ed Stenzel and Tom Valiante.

Also, thanks to our great volunteers who included Jacque Koon, Laura Geberth, Jill Sandberg, Marie McChesney, Police Foundation Board Members Kaya Tarhan and Bernadette DiPino, and Marco Island Academy students Danny Heekin, Tommy Heekin, Elle Richardson and Nichol Sutton.

The winners included:

A BIG THANK YOU to all our golfers sponsors and volunteers for making this year’s tournament a smashing success.

A Solemn Ceremony on Marco
The Marco Island community gathered together at Fire Station 50 to honor the victims of 9/11 at 9:00 am this morning.

Marco Island Police Chief Tracy Frazzano and Fire Chief Chris Byrnes led the solemn ceremony remembering the 2977 souls that lost their lives that day, as well as commemorating the first responders that were called into action that day.

In the fire fighter tradition, the Striking of the Four Fives (the striking of a fire bell 5 times at 4 intervals) was followed as a tribute to the fallen heroes who lost their lives that day.

The ceremony ended at exactly 9:11 am this morning.

Thank you to all the heroes that stood by our nation that day, and those who continue to keep us safe everyday.

THE MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION SPONSORED A BARBECUE/PICNIC FOR THE MARCO POLICE DEPARMENT OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES AT ST. MARK’S CHURCH

ON SATURDAY AUGUST 26, 2023

We thank everyone who contributed to a successful Marco Police FoundationBarbecue/Picnic that was held at St. Mark’s Parish Hall on Saturday afternoon. We had over 100 guests and police officers. The food which was catered by Capelli’s Kitchen in Naples was delicious and everyone enjoyed themselves. We even had extra food available for guests to bring home.

We thank St. Mark’s Church for supplying the hall, we thank Condee Cooling and Electric for supplying the water, we thank Affordable Landscaping for supplying the wine and San Marco Knights of Columbus for supplying the beer and soda.

Director John DeRosa, who chaired the committee did a fantastic job in organizing the event and was assisted by Directors John Caltabiano, Ron McClay. We thank all the Directors who assisted in setting-up, serving and cleaning up Directors Arne Sandberg, Bill Young, Bob Myslivec, Gene Burson, and President Michael Hook and Past President Vernon Geberth. Also in attendance were Directors Bob Brown, Bernadette DiPino and William Morris  

We thank our servers, John’s wife Barbara DeRosa, Vernon’s wife Laura Geberth Arne’s wife Jill Sandberg and John’s wife Paula Caltabiano for their pleasant and excellent work. We acknowledge the wonderful job they performed as well as assisting in the clean-up.

The event began with President Michael Hook who introduced our Directors and then thanked the officers and members of the MIPD for their service. Weappreciate their service in keeping Marco Island a Paradise, and how fortunate we are here in Marco Island to have the community support and a city government that respects our police officers.

At this event also we gave out $40,000.00 in Scholarships to our Marco Police officers and their children.  President Michael Hook along with Director Bill Miller Chair of the Scholarship Committee made the presentation joined by Chief Tracy Frazzano

Chief Tracy Frazzano thanked the Marco Police Foundation and made the closing remarks thanking everyone who participated.

The event was a fantastic success and reflected well on The Marco Police Foundation and our mission to build strong relationships in the Marco Community.

Police Veteran Vernon Geberth
Named Director Emeritus by the Police Foundation Board

The most recent past President, Vernon Geberth, has retired as an active member of the Marco Police Foundation Board. Geberth, who served as President from 2021 into 2023 is credited with guiding the organization through the challenges caused by the recent Covid-19 pandemic. The good news is Vernon did not retire very long. Upon his retirement from its board, the Police Foundation named him Director Emeritus, where he joins longtime police advocate Dick Adams in this very special category of service. He will continue to remain active within the Foundation. Vernon is an accomplished law enforcement professional retiring as a Lieutenant-Commander of the New York City Police Department with over 40 years of law enforcement experience. He served as the Commanding Officer of the Bronx Homicide Task Force, which handled over 400 murder investigations a year.

Thank you Vernon for all of your service.

MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION RIB COOK-OFF

THE MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION RIB COOK-OFF ON SATURDAY APRIL 29, 2023 AT THE MARCO BREWERY WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS WITH OVER 300 MEALS SERVED BY THE BREWERY

OUR POLICE DIRECTORS AND MARCO POLICE OFFICERS ALONG WITH THEIR WIVES AND FAMILIES PARTICIPATED IN OUR FIRST RIB-COOK-OFF EVENT SINCE THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC.

WE ALSO HAD CITY OFFICIALS PRESENT AND A LARGE NUMBER OF COMMUNITY RESIDENTS AS WELL AS VISITORS ENJOY THE FOOD AND FESTIVITIES.

THERE WERE NUMEROUS GIFTS DISSEMINATED DURING THE RAFFLES WHICH HAD BEEN DONATED TO THE POLICE FOUNDATION FROM THE GENEROUS BUSINESES AND RESTAURANTS IN OUR MARCO COMMUNITY WHO CONTIBUTED TO THIS EVENT.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and the people of Marco, we raised over $15,000 towards scholarships for our community’s police officers and their families.

Congratulations to the Island Country Club for winning the rib cook-off contest after a special fifth judge had to be brought in to break the tie. Special thanks to all of our sponsors which included the Marco Brewery, Siegel Dental, CJ’s on the Bay, the Sandbar, the Marco Island Fire Foundation, Affordable Landscaping, First Horizon Bank, Accurate Air Conditioning, Rose Marina, PTJ Properties, Progressive Automotive and Raymond James.

United Church of Marco Island Gives Easter Offering to Police Foundation 

On Thursday, April 27, 2023 The United Church of Marco Island presented the Marco Police Foundation with a $10,000.00 Donation from their Missions Committee.

President of the Marco Police Foundation Michael Hook and Vernon Geberth as Past President accepted the check from Pastor Mark and Michelle Hennessey Chair of the Missions Committee.

Left to RightMichelle Hennessey Chair of The Missions Committee, President Micahel Hook Marco Police Foundation, Vernon Geberth Past President Marco Police Foundation and Pastor Mark of the United Church

This donation will be used exclusively in accordance with our mission to assist The Marco Island Police Officers and employees in emergency financial situations as well as our scholarship Fund for officers and their children.

We thank Pastor Mark and the Congregants of The United Church of Marco Island and the Missions Committee for including the Marco Police Foundation in their charitable community fundraising mission.

LUNCH WITH THE CHIEF FEBRUARY 2023 WEBSITE

The February Marco Police Foundation Lunch with the Chief was a resounding success. We had approximately 170 guests in attendance thanks to the efforts of Luncheon Chairman Directors Ron McClay and Bill Young.  At this event we have the Officer of the Year award and the Swearing in of the New Executive Board followed by Lunch and a Guest Speaker.

President Vernon Geberth started the event by introducing Father Timothy Navin, Pastor of San Marco Church to provide an Invocation. This was followed by a recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance led by Marco Police Chief Tracy Frazzano.

President Geberth then thanked the Board for their support during his two year term and announced the incoming President elect Michael Hook as he introduced the members on the Dais; Father Tim Navin, the Guest Speaker Colonel Jim Bloom, Chief Tracy Frazzano, 1st Vice President Bob Myslvec, Treasurer Elect John De Rosa, 2nd Vice President Bill Miller and Secretary William Morris.

We welcomed the City Council members and City Manager as well as our Special Guest organizations; The Marco Fire Foundation President Ruth McCann M.I.C.A. , The 42 Members of F-Troop, The San Marco Knights of Columbus,, The Marco Island Academy, Raymond James,, Our Daily Bread Ministries and other supporters.  We then acknowledged our Marco Police Officers as special guests and the Officer of the Year Joseph Belardo and his wife Renee.

President Vernon Geberth than presented a Special Award as a surprise award to Director Emeritus Richard Adams, who had served as both President and Treasurer for his Twenty-Five years of service above self to the Marco Police Foundation.

President Vernon Geberth asked Vice Chairman Jared Grifoni to come forward and swear in the New Executive Board of the Marco Police Foundation.  He then invited President elect Michael Hook to say a few words before lunch. I thanked him for his kind remarks regarding my term.

After Lunch Outgoing President Vernon Geberth requested Chief Tracy Frazzano to present the “Officer of the Year” award to Police officer Joseph Belardo. Incoming President Michael Hook and Outgoing President Vernon Geberth participated in this ceremony.

President Michael Hook then addressed the group and asked Secretary William Morris to join him at the podium as they presented me with an award, which was a complete surprise I never expected such recognition especially the comments about being a “Cop’s Cop”  

The Guest Speaker Colonel Jim Bloom, who is Undersheriff of The Collier County Sheriff’s Office, provided the guests with an educational and professional talk, which was well received by everyone present.

At the end of the Luncheon all of the Directors posed for a  Group Photo for our Website Page.

The Marco Island Community Prayer Breakfast

On Tuesday, February 7, 2023 The 40th Annual Prayer Breakfast was held at the Hideaway Beach Club.  This year’s speaker was Michelle Corrao, an Inspirational Speaker and a sexual assault survivor, whose story of strength and survival was published in her book FOUND.

Michelle shared her story of a confident professional woman whose abduction and violent rape was the final crime in a series of sexual assaults on women in Central Indiana. She had been hidden in the trunk of her own car when she was miraculously found by an off-duty police officer and given a second chance at life.

As an internationally renowned expert on murder, sex-related homicide and forensic investigations for many years I saw first-hand the results of such heinous attacks.  I was thrilled to meet and hear from such a vibrant survivor who was able to overcome such horror and make a difference in so many lives.

The Marco Police Foundation has traditionally supported the prayer breakfast by purchasing a table of ten for Foundation members and Marco Police Officers.

This year President Vernon Geberth and his wife Laura were accompanied by Police Directors 1st Vice President Bob Myslivec, and Directors Al Benarroch and Kaya Tarhan.  The Marco Police Department was represented by Chief Tracy Frazzano, Captains Rich Stoltenborg and John Wallace, Lt. Matt Gallup and Detective Sergeant Mark Huffor.

MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION PICKEBALL SLAMMER

The Marco Police Foundation sponsored our First Annual PICKLEBALL SLAMMER on January 21st and January 22nd at the Marco YMCA coordinated by PARADISE PB from Fort Meyers.

The MIPF Pickleball Committee comprised of Directors Michael Hook, Bill Young, Bill Morris, Bill Miller along with Marco Police Chief Tracy Frazzano and Sgt. Ryan Montgomery synchronized this event with all the Directors and volunteers.

We had 160 players over the two day tournament and everyone was pleased

We thank all of our sponsors.   The Overall Tournament Sponsor was The Marco Active store on Marco Island.

Court Sponsors:  Affordable Landscaping, Pat Wilkins Real Estate, The Marco Brewery & Speak Easy, F-Troop, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, Cocomo’s, Guerin & English of Raymond James and Siegel Dental.

The water station sponsor was Ace Sunshine Hardware.

Food Station Host:  Collier Boulevard Subway on Marco

Special Thanks to our Tournament Volunteers from the Marco Island Academy: Emely Uriza, Zoie Swift, Ricardo Cardet, Aubrey Guidry, Emily Reilssinger, Kaitlyn Reisinger, Brandi Pruess, Made P, Andres Rodriguez, Cora Billingsly, Grant Tirrell, Tommy Dickson, Savannah Drott, Sophia Lowrie, Madison Moyer, Elle Richardson, Miles Massie.

And, very special thanks to our Hosts at the YMCA:  Cindy Love-Abounader, Richard Tamer, Jodi Schaufus

President Vernon J, Geberth

The Tournament Medalists were:

Men’s 4.0 Division
Gold – ​​Kurt Busch & Joey Irigoyen
Silver​​ – Bill McClure & Hunter Bassett
Bronze​ – Sean Hallihan & Mark Karr

Men’s Doubles 3.5 Division
Gold​​ – Rick Bigelow & Jim Townsend
Silver​​ – Nate Nedli & Leonard Adragna
Bronze – ​Jim DeFrell & Moe Gohary

Men’s Doubles 3.0 Division
Gold​​ – John Ball & Frank Strcich
Silver​​ – Tim Wellington & Frank Schirack
Bronze​ – Michael Richards & Gerald Cole

Women’s Doubles 4.0 Division
Gold​​ – Shauna Tozser & Andrea Blackwell
Silver​​ – Wendy Campagna & Lisa Hogan
Bronze – ​Deb Russell & Lori Larkin

Women’s Doubles 3.5 Division
Gold​​ – Christine Tunney & Dana Conway
Silver​​ – Cynthia Kilkenny & Stacy Skach
Bronze – ​Karen Kear & Patrice Price

Women’s Doubles 3.0 Division
Gold – ​​Patty Bean & Jane Konkoly
Silver​​ – Suzanne Rieser & Lisa Nucci
Bronze​ – Colleen Callahan & Marge Kayser

Mixed Doubles 4.0
Gold​​ – Alicia Roberts & Joey Irigoyen
Silver – ​​Marco Stauffer & Jon Thomas
Bronze​ – Lori Larkin & Tim Annett

Mixed Doubles 3.5 Division
Gold​​ – Christine Tunney & John McCourt
Silver​​ – Carrie Sullivan & Frank Sullivan
Bronze​ – Tracy Frazzano & Ryan Montgomery

Mixed Doubles 3.0 Division
Gold​​ – Rebecca Lipinski & David Lipinski
Silver​​ – Cheryl Avola & Ron Avola
Bronze​ – Mary Kowarick & Collin O’Higgins

CHRISTMAS ISLAND STYLE 2023  

On Friday, January 6, 2023 The Island Christmas Style Committee presented awards and recognition to individuals and organizations who contributed to the Annual Marco Christmas celebrations.

As President of The Marco Police Foundation, I accepted a $500.00 Donation from Treasurer Barb Dasti Christmas Island Style to our foundation for our members who performed Traffic Duty for the parade

This year’s events included Santa’s Arrival on November 25^thThe Annual Tree Lighting & Community Celebration on December 3^rd The Canine Pet Parade on December 6^th and the Annual Christmas Street Parade and the Annual Boat Parade on December 17^th

19th ANNUAL MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

I wish to thank Committee Chair Director Curt Koon for organizing and coordinating our 19th Annual MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT at The Island Country Club on Saturday December 17, 2022

I wish to thank everyone that participated in this event.  We couldn’t have this tournament without our Players and accommodation of The Island Club and its Members. Specifically I would like to thank Joe, Keith and Bin on their patience and making this event happen and the ground crew

I want to acknowledge  and recognize our major sponsors

And a special thank you to the all of the individual hole sponsors and businesses– for their support. What a great showing of support we had this year!!  

I want to thank the Directors who worked on the Golf committee and the many volunteers that assisted with today’s event as they spend the day assisting in the registration and activities duties for this great fundraiser, which is used to help our Marco Police Officers and their families.

In addition, I want to thank Curt Koon’s wife Jacquie, Ray McChesney’s wife Marie Lynn and my wife Laura Geberth for assisting in selling the 50/50 and raffle tickets and Jennifer Tenney for conducting the High Handicap Polka Challenge

Vernon J. Geberth
President

WINNERS

MEN’S FIRST PLACE   55​​​ – $400.00
Kevin Callahan
Gary Allmaier
Matt Callahan
Harry Rubash

WOMEN’S FIRST PLACE   63​​ – $400.00
Tracy Frazzano
Colleen Callahan
Betsy Knights
Grace Allmaier

MEN’S SECOND PLACE   56​​​ – $200.00
Brian Gilmore
David Yadisernia
Hunter Nicole
Bryan Berryman

« ‹ of 2 › »

The Marco Police Foundation provides volunteers for traffic control every year at the annual Marco Island Christmas Parade. Before the parade the Marco Island Police Foundation presents $100.00 Christmas gift cards to all members and staff of the Marco Police Department in appreciation for their service.

Foundation Group Left to Right Director Bob Myslivec, Al Benarroch, President Vernon Geberth, Chief Tracy Frazzano, Captains Rich Stoltenborg and John Wallace Photo by Yanneth Contrada

CHRISTMAS PARADE President Vernon Geberth and Officer Allen Velez on post

This year’s MIPF volunteers were President Vernon Geberth, 1st Vice President Bob Myslivec, Director Al Benarroch and Director Arne Sandberg

November 2022 Lunch with the Chief

On Tuesday November 15^th The Marco Police Foundation had their “Lunch with the  Chief” at the Hideaway Beach Club with approximately 150 attendees.

President Vernon Geberth welcomed the group to the Hideaway Beach Club and introduced Father Timothy Navin from San Marco Catholic Church who he performed The Invocation. President Geberth than introduced Chief Tracy Frazzano who led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Chief Frazzano made some opening remarks thanking the guests in attendance.

President Geberth then acknowledged the various organizations and dignitaries who were present for the luncheon.

Present for the Luncheon were City Officials City Manager Mike McNees and his wife Hazel, City Council Chair Erick Brechnitz, Vice Chair Jared Grifoni and his wife Elsa AND City Council Members Becky Irwin and Darren Palumbo

The Marco Fire Rescue with President Dianna Dohm and Chief Chris Byrne, Former Fire Chief Mike Murphy and Former Police Chief Al Schettino

President Ruth McCann from MICA and their guests, The Marco Island Academy, The San Marco Knights of Columbus with Director John DeRosa, 30 Members from F-Troop coordinated by Director Michael Hook, Darcie Guerin and Adam English from Wealth Management of Raymond James and Claire Babroski

Also acknowledged was Director Ron McClay’s Table of the Management Team M.I. Winn Dixie with the heavy lifters Volunteer Team from Our Daily Bread. Working together they procured and distributed food to more than 1200 families per week on Marco and the surrounding area due to Hurricane Ian

Our guest speaker was Chief Shawn Chamberlain who spoke of the topic of “Policing Lee County Airport”.

Chief Chamberlain is a Twenty-Five year career veteran of law enforcement.   He is the Chief of Police at the Lee County Port Authority.  The Port Authority oversees the operations of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Page Field (FMY), both located in the Fort Myers area.

He explained to the audience the extensive operations that his 80 employees, sworn law enforcement and civilian staff in his department run behind the scenes.

CHILI COOK-OFF MARCO FIRE RESCUE

Marco Fire Rescue had their 10th Annual Jerry Adams Chili Cook-Off onSaturday, November 12th The Marco Police Foundation along with members of the Marco Police Department participated in the competition. The Chili was prepared by Police Officers Joe Belardo, Mike Campbell, Anthony Pruchnik and his father Bill from New Jersey. President Vernon Geberth and his wife Laura along with Director Ed Stenzel served the Chili in the morning and were assisted in the afternoon by Directors Bob Myslivec, Former Chief Al Schettino, Al Benarroch and Bill Morris. Chief Tracy Frazzano stopped by the booth to assist in serving the Chili, which was absolutely delicious. Many of the people in attendance came back for seconds and thirds. The chili consisted of pulled pork, ground chuck beef, smoked poblano peppers, chili peppers, black beans, tomatoes, carrots, onions and potatoes. The Marco police crew made 20 gallons.

Halloween Event 2022

I am very pleased to inform The Marco Community that The Marco Police Foundation had Nine (9) Directors including Director Bill Miller on duty who volunteered their time to assist the MIPD in their annual Halloween Detail.

Left to Right : Director Bill Young, Director Ron Myers, Director/Officer Bill Miller Chair of Traffic Control , President Vernon Geberth, Director John DeRosa, Director Bill Kohut, Director Tarik Ayasun, Director Bob Myslivec, Director Al Benarroch (Not in Photo)

This was an impressive display of what the Police Foundation does to assist The Marco Police Department in Traffic control activities and pedestrian safety in Marco Events.

It allows the Police Department to maintain regular patrol throughout the city as the Police Foundation volunteers staff the various posts along the Halloween route.

Congratulations on a job well done.

Vernon J. Geberth
President

9/11 Anniversary Ceremony at Marco Island Police Headquarters
On Sunday, September 11, 2022

On Sunday, September 11, 2022 The Marco Fire Foundation with The Marco Police Department sponsored a 9/11 ceremony to remember the victims and First Responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2011.

Thousands of our citizens, including 343 FDNY Firefighters, 37 Port Authority Police offices and 23 NYPD Officers at the Twin Towers as well as 125 military men and women at the Pentagon and 40 In Shanksville, PA were killed on 9/11

These innocent victims were killed during coordinated attacks that were synchronized and carried out by Radical Islamic Jihadists using our own commercial airplanes as weapons of destruction

Since 2011 over 3,300 9/11 rescue workers who responded to the scene as well as other citizens, who were in the vicinity in the days and months after the attacks,have since died of 9/11 sickness and disease causing an enduring pain.

Chief Tracy Frazzano opened the ceremony with her remarks on the significance of 9/11 and why we should never forget as we gathered to pay our respects, which was followed with an opening prayer. Fire Chief Chris Byrne addressed the guests and recognized the bravery, courage sacrifices of the First Responders. He thenexplained the significance of the “Ringing of the Bells”

Ringing of the Bells
This tradition had been used in the New York City’s firehouses since 1870; it signals a death, generally of a colleague and tells firefighters to lower the American flag to half-staff. Today the bells have been replaced with a signal 5-5-5-5 to announce the death of a firefighter.

Photos by Maria Lamb and Steve Stefanides

THE MARCO POLICE FOUNDATION SPONSORED A BARBECUE/PICNIC FOR THE MARCO POLICE DEPARMENT OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES AT ST. MARK’S CHURCH

ON SATURDAY AUGUST 27, 2022

I want to personally thank each and everyone who contributed to a successful MIPF Barbecue/Picnic. We had about 100 folks. The food was delicious and everyone enjoyed themselves especially the kids who we spoiled by letting them have all the ice cream they could eat.

We started the event by thanking the officers and members of the MIPD for their service and advised them that we appreciated their service for keeping Marco Island a Paradise and how fortunate we are here in Marco Island to have the community support and a city government that respects our police officers.

Director John DeRosa, who chaired the committe with the assistance of Directors Bob Myslivec and Ron McClay did a fantastic job or organizing the event. 

The other Directors who assisted in setting up and participating in the event as well as cleaning up made the event wonderful team endeavor.  I want to thank Directors Curt Koon, Bob Brown, Arne Sandberg, Bill Miller, Bill Young, Gene Burson, Dick Adams, and Tarik Ayasun.

I also want to thank our servers Ms. Caitlin  Robinson, John DeRosa’s wife Barbara, Dick Adams’ wife Karen, Arne Sandberg’s wife Jill and my wife Laura. They did a wonderful job and also assisted in the clean-up.

Chief Tracy Frazzano introduced the newer members of the Marco Police department and we managed to get a group picture of some of our Directors who were able to participate

The event was a fantastic success and reflected well on The Marco Police Foundation and our mission to build strong relationships in the Marco Community.

Thank you
Vernon Geberth
President 

United Church of Marco Island Gives Easter Offering to Police Foundation

On Sunday, April 24th, during the morning service, The Marco Island Police Foundation received a check for $16,355 from the Mission Committee of the United Church of Marco Island.

Vernon Geberth, President of the Marco Island Police Foundation, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the very large donation from the Mission’s Committee of UCMI. Geberth added that “this is the largest donation he has seen in six years and will be used to support the Marco Island Police officers and their families financially but most importantly for the scholarship program.”

The Mission Committee, chaired by Michelle Hennessy, includes the following members: Susan Toussaint, Doug Schmitt, Karen Blackwell (Habitat for Humanity Liaison), Sue Elsasser, and Carol Jennings, Pat Kaufman (Our Daily Bread Liaison), Rev. Mark Williams, Samantha Arago (Outreach) and Gene Leman (Assistant Treasurer).

Each year, this committee is given a budget and provides funds to local organizations. The Easter Offering, Christmas Offering and Habitat for Humanity annual collections are separate from this budget which is based on what the congregation gives throughout the month.

According to Arago, thanks to the success of the Bargain Basket, UCMI can give away what are typically the two largest cash offerings for a church – The Christmas offering and the Easter offering. Each year, a recipient is announced, and donors can give to the offering throughout the month. During the Maundy Thursday/Easter and Christmas Eve services all cash offerings go to the recipient unless otherwise specified.

Most recent recipients of the Easter Offering include The Joy of Giving (2021), Laces of Love (2020), and Collier County Honor Flight (2019).

According to Michelle Hennessy, “Our Missions Committee felt we wanted to continue to support our local community – those who live and/or work on the Island. We hope to make a difference in the lives of those who help make Marco Island the wonderful community it is. In selecting the Marco Island Police Foundation, the Committee felt that its support of police officers and their families aligns faithfully with the overall Mission of United Church of Marco Island. We unanimously voted to grant their request. In the words of John 15: 12-13, ‘This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.’”

Earlier this year, Vernon Geberth and Bill Miller of the Marco Island Police Foundation made a presentation to the committee and provided the following information:

The Foundation is a non-profit organization that has a large presence in the community.

The Foundation is entirely run by retired police officers and firemen and has no administrative costs.

This Foundation is open to support all organizations, businesses and citizens of Marco Island.

The Marco Island Police Foundation supports our Marco Island Police Officers and their families in many ways. This can be an incentive to those who may not consider moving to the Island due to the higher cost of living. One benefit offered is an undergraduate scholarship program for children of Marco Island Police Officers.

Over the last two years, the Foundation has donated over $45,000 to undergraduate students.

This scholarship is currently supporting nine children of Marco Island Police Officers.

According to Geberth, because of COVID, the Marco Island Police Foundation haven’t been able to have their large fundraising events.

Reverend Mark Williams of UCMI remarked that “Being a police officer is more than just a job; it is a calling. The vocation demands so much from those who serve. My sincere hope is that this gift will bless the families of the Marco Island police who are so dedicated and committed to keeping us all safe.”