Sheriff Carmine Marceno knew from childhood that law enforcement was his path. That early pull toward service led him first to Suffolk County, New York, where he began his career, and later to Southwest Florida, where he joined the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.

At Collier County, Marceno worked as a Patrol Deputy and served in several specialty units before moving into community policing, eventually rising to Executive Officer. In 2012 he received the county’s Distinguished Public Service Award, given to its top public servant.

In 2013, Marceno moved to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office as a Captain, serving as Executive Officer to Sheriff Mike Scott. He spent more than two years as Undersheriff, overseeing day-to-day operations as part of the Command Staff. His leadership earned him a spot in the FBI National Academy’s Session 267, a 10-week program he completed in March 2017.

Governor Rick Scott appointed Marceno Sheriff of Lee County in 2018. During that period he was recognized repeatedly for his leadership and zero tolerance approach to crime, including the Southwest Florida Police Chiefs Association’s “Outstanding Law Enforcement Executive” award in 2019. Voters elected him Lee County’s 13th Sheriff on November 3, 2020.

Since then, Lee County has seen crime rates fall consistently, even through the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Ian. Much of that progress traces back to programs Marceno put in place: the Real Time Intelligence Center, the Animal Cruelty Task Force, the School Threat Enforcement Team, and an expanded Narcotics Unit.

In 2024, Marceno was named Florida Sheriff’s Liaison for FASRO, helping standardize training and response for School Resource Officers statewide. That same year, the Florida Sheriff’s Association appointed him to the committee overseeing planning and construction of the new Florida Sheriff’s Youth Learning Center in Tallahassee, a facility built to give the community a positive way to engage with law enforcement.

Technology has been a consistent focus of his tenure. Under Marceno, the agency has adopted tools like RoboDog, a drone fleet, FLIR-equipped helicopters, the FARO and ANDE Rapid DNA machines, upgraded SWAT gear, VR training, and the Rook.

He’s also built out the department’s community ties through the Community Response Unit, which works on grassroots partnerships, and by opening outreach centers across the county.