Longboat deputy chief with 45 years of experience to retire

Frank Rubino has been with the Longboat Key Police Department for 13 years.

That’s a lot of experience, but it doesn’t even make up a third of his tenure in law enforcement. As the end of his 45th year as first responder draws near, Rubino will soon turn in his badge and enjoy retirement.

“I have really enjoyed working 13 years with the town of Longboat Key, with the members of the police department, fellow employees, staff, the Commission has been great and the folks in town have been incredible,” Rubino said. “I’ve made some hopefully long-term friendships, and I’m looking forward to retirement. It’s been an honor.”

His last day will be Dec. 27, Police Chief Russ Mager announced during the last Longboat Key Town Commission meeting of the year. Mager presented Rubino with a framed collection of badges and patches from departments and agencies he has worked for in his decades-long career.

“I was going to put on my uniform today, except most of my stuff is in this plaque right here,” Rubino joked before thanking Mager and the Longboat Key community.

Rubino’s policing career began after three years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1977 to 1980. Mager said the principles Rubino exhibited in his tenure with the Longboat Key Police Department mirror those for which the Marine Corps are known.

“His discipline, leadership and sense of duty, all hallmarks of the Marine Corps, would become the foundation of his lifelong career in public service,” Mager said.

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Rubino’s early law enforcement career began in South Florida at Tamarac Police Department, serving in the Marine Corps Reserves simultaneously. He then spent two decades with the Plantation Police Department before stints with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and Glades County Sheriff’s Office. He was hired by Longboat Key in 2013 as deputy chief.

Rubino filled in as interim chief of the Longboat Key Police Department from January to August as the town conducted a national search for former Police Chief George Turner’s replacement. Mager touted his work filling in as interim chief and said he helped make the transition period successful.

“His leadership, mentorship and unwavering dedication have left a lasting impact on the department and the community,” Mager said.

Rubino said he is looking forward to the next chapter. He remembers his time with the department fondly, except for one thing.

“I will not miss seasonal traffic,” he said. “That’s probably what I’m looking forward to the most.”