Marceno sworn in as Lee County sheriff
Newly appointed Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno was sworn into office Monday morning, beginning a new chapter for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, and closing the book on the highly respected career of retiring sheriff Mike Scott.
Attendees at the ceremony held at McGregor Baptist Church in Fort Myers included Gov. Rick Scott, who named the undersheriff as Mike Scott’s replacement.
“It’s an amazing feeling, it’s like no other. It’s very humbling,” Marceno said of being the 13th Sheriff in LCSO’s history. “Sheriff Scott is a legend. To have Gov. Rick Scott here has been unbelievable. He’s so busy, but he took the time out of his schedule to be here. And the support of the residents, it’s like no other feeling in the world.”
Former Fort Myers police chief Larry Hart was the master of ceremonies and he spoke on his relationship with Marceno and former sheriff Scott.
“Mike Scott has left LSCO in great hands,” said Hart.
Lee County District 4 Commissioner Brian Hamman also shared his sentiments on the passing of the torch from Scott to Marceno, and praised Scott for treating everyone fairly and as equals during his 30 years of service to LCSO-even before he was elected sheriff.
The former sheriff was welcomed with a rousing standing ovation from those in attendance, before he spoke on his decades of service to Lee County and the immense faith he has in his successor.
The venue is the same he took his oath in 14 years prior, and is the same place he watched Marceno take the reins he once held.
Scott was thankful to all of those he had the pleasure of serving with, building relationships with and coming to know the hardships that can come along with a career in law enforcement.
He became a bit choked up speaking of his family.
“Our family make sacrifices,” Scott said. “Our families hurt when we’re attacked. It’s easy for me. As you know, I’m a fighter, and I have fought many battles. But you don’t like to see your family dragged through that.”
He praised all of his LCSO brothers and sisters who he said work tirelessly for their profession and to keep the county safe, adding that the office is bigger than the one who calls it home.
“Yes, there’s a ranking. Yes, there’s a sheriff and colonel and all these different things. But at the end of the day, we’re all on the same team,” Scott said. “The 131 year existence of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, is more (important) than any one of the sheriffs.”
Of Marceno, he said, “We’ve had a great relationship. Thank you for being a friend first, a co-worker second. I’ve tried to give him the good and bad as I’ve experienced it and lived it for 14 years.”
Gov.Scott then took the stage and shared his thoughts on Sheriff Scott’s career, and the faith he has in Marceno, saying “There is no one I believe that could do a better job than Carmine.”
He noted the 47-year low in crime rates in Florida, and that a stable economy could not be built from dangerous areas.
He generously praised Scott, saying that he is respected all across the state by law enforcement.
Marceno was then sworn in officially as Lee County’s newest sheriff.
“The team is in place. I’m so excited to get back to work, and work full-force. What a great county we live in. And as always, the safety and security is always going to be my number one priority,” Marceno said.
His first order of business?
“Get in that office. Opening the door. Smiling. And going full speed ahead.”
Marceno said that he will forever keep what Sheriff Scott has taught him in his mind.
“We were friends for many years before he was my boss. And, you know, I’ve learned from many great leaders along the way. But having the ability-which is a blessing to me-to learn from Sheriff Scotthe is really a machine. He works 24/7. He’s taught me so much, and I’m just so honored have the ability to learn from him, and now, find my way to where I want to be.
“Measure twice, cut once,” is what he’ll remember most from his time with Scott.
Marceno will announce the new undersheriff in the coming weeks.
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