Letter to the Editor: Resident grateful to police and EMS

I recently had to call 911 in the early morning hours when my husband, Ed Marco, suffered physical distress and subsequently passed away. Both Officer Joe Mack of Marco Island Police Department and EMS personnel were as efficient, kind and compassionate as close family members. Specifically, Officer Mack and the team had to inform me of my husband’s passing, and did not hesitate to offer comfort to me.

Officer Mack then stayed with me until he was assured my family had been contacted and that I was physically and mentally stable enough to be left alone. He offered to call family and friends, advised me of what I needed, “anything at all,” and called me twice in the following days to make sure I was all right.

Unlike many critics of the Marco Police Department, my husband and I have always supported them. I am happy to say our support and loyalty were not misplaced. Although some may feel these people were simply “doing their jobs,” I would counter that doing one’s job does not necessarily mean that it is being done with the heartfelt sympathy, empathy and true care that I was shown.

My thanks and appreciation to these fine people. How fortunate we are to have them looking after us in this community.

Phyllis Marco

Marco Island