Leadership Marco Law Enforcement Day

By Coastal Breeze News Staff

On October 7, 2015, the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce Leadership Marco 2015 class attended their fifth session- Law Enforcement Day.

In the morning, the Marco Island Police Department’s Chief Al Schettino and Captain Dave Baer welcomed the students at breakfast, and provided them with an overview.

The Leadership Marco students were given station tours at the police department, and had the opportunity to

learn about various law enforcement topics and procedures. Some of the subjects presented included traffic stops, crime scene processing and marine enforcement, which is particularly relevant to island living and the large boating community here on Marco. The often-heard term “use of force” was defined and discussed as part of the presentation. Throughout the day, students were given the chance to ask questions and discuss relevant law enforcement topics.

So far, the leadership students have attended History, Media, Education, and Hospitality/Tourism Days. Still to come: Culture/Real Estate, Healthcare/Fire and Rescue, Agriculture and Government Days.

Although the nine topics of Leadership Marco remain constant, the presentations and curriculum have changed each year, especially in fields where technological advancements have been made. Additionally, graduates of the previous year’s class have the chance to use their experience

to improve on the following year’s classes, which they will chair. As a result, each year is unique to that class. “One of the great things about Leadership Marco is the fact that the program changes and evolves,” says Donna Niemczyk, administrative coordinator for the Marco Island Chamber of Commerce.

The next scheduled class session is Culture/Real Estate Day, which will take place on October 21. Graduation will take place on January 17, 2016.