MARCO ISLAND, Fla. — On the heels of a scandal involving several former Marco Island police officers accused of having sex with a woman while on duty, the chief of the embattled police department has announced his retirement. Chief Al Schettino is set to retire June 15, but some islanders think he's being forced out - and want city leaders to prevent the retirement from taking effect.
"I stand before you to tell you - leave our police chief alone," said Bernie Greichen at Monday's city council meeting. "We want this chief to stay. Listen to us. You are here to help us."
She told council members that she and others had gathered over two thousand signatures on a petition to keep Schettino on the job.
It was on Schettino's watch that three of his officers - who are all now off the job - were accused of engaging in sexual activity with a woman while they were supposed to be on patrol.
"At some point, everyone has to take a close look at what's been happening and make sure that everything's functioning the way it's supposed to be," said council member Jared Grifoni.
But while some believe council members pushed to get Schettino off the police force, Grifoni said city manager David Harden addressed that at Monday's meeting.
"Had there been any councilors who had been involved in that decision-making process?" Grifoni said. "The city manager was unequivocal. The answer is absolutely not."
Fox 4 reached out to both Schettino and Harden for comment, but we have yet to hear back.
