Don Hunter to stay on as Marco police chief

Marco Island Police Chief Don Hunter. File

MARCO ISLAND — Don Hunter is sticking around as the Marco Island police chief, dispelling rumors the former Collier County sheriff would only serve one year.

Less than three weeks before his one-year anniversary, Hunter agreed on an extension of up to two years, said City Manager Jim Riviere.

“I think it’s fantastic news,” Riviere said. “We’re able to hire one of the most experienced law enforcement officers anywhere. I think this is a reflection on the entire city.”

Hunter served as Collier County sheriff for 20 years, winning election to the county-wide post five times. At age 59, he came out of his early retirement a year ago to take over the police chief job, after the three-year tenure of former chief Thom Carr.

Hunter had previously talked of leaving the chief position at the end of his initial one-year contract.

On Monday, Hunter said there were initiatives in Marco he is interested in “seeing through to a conclusion,” like making the police department more proactive and focused toward crime prevention. In his one year, Hunter said he had reassigned an officer to specialize in organized criminal activity, a change he hopes will help stop gang members, drug dealers and other “career criminals.”

According to his contract, Hunter, who made $100,000 last year, will get a pay raise of about $10,000 to an annual base salary of $110,000 beginning Aug. 3. His salary will again rise on Aug. 3, 2013, to $115,000.

The police chief said he was “very appreciative” of the City Council, which he would like to see give raises to the rest of the department.

“I strongly encourage the idea of adjusting pay for the agency, but there’s a union organization it has to be run through,” Hunter said. “I favor that idea, but it’s also a very complicated process.”