Retired officer Margie Marotta engages and inspires through Police Explorers program

To some people she is Officer Marotta. To others she is Officer Mom.

Margie Marotta, who retired as a police officer in 2023 after working in the Suffolk County Police Department’s First Precinct for 28 years, is perhaps best known for her 17-year tenure as adviser of the precinct’s Police Explorers Program. She said the career club, open to youths between the ages of 14 and 20, grew under her leadership to more than 40 members and became the largest club of its kind in Suffolk County.

Out of the 11 police Explorers countywide to have earned the Career Achievement in Law Enforcement Award, the highest honor for members, 10 have come from the First Precinct, according to Marotta, who lives in Bay Shore.

“I loved being a police officer, and I love that they’re interested in it too,” said Marotta, who has received gifts from former Explorers who sometimes refer to her as “Officer Mom.” “They’re like my kids. I’m proud of all my Explorers.”

Marotta’s career in law enforcement began as a patrol officer before she joined the precinct’s Community Oriented Police Enforcement Unit — now known as the Community Support Unit — for 15 years. Shortly before retiring, she transitioned to a school resource officer role, in which she worked closely with students and educators throughout Deer Park, North Babylon and Wyandanch, she said.

Her favorite role, though, was with the Police Explorers program. The program, which meets twice monthly, consists of everything from role-playing scenarios to demonstrate how police would handle certain situations to preparing for activities like fingerprinting children as part of a safety program for Earth Day, she said.

Former explorer Amanda McNally, of Lindenhurst, who was involved in the program from 2007 until 2012, described Marotta as “inspirational.” One special memory, she said, was when Marotta climbed into a sewer to rescue some ducks.

“She really put her heart into the program,” McNally, 33, said. “She made it educational and fun at the same time.”

Marotta also launched several youth initiatives throughout the precinct including a “Caught Being Kind” campaign that rewarded kids for thoughtfulness.

Her other efforts include coordinating dozens of food drives to benefit Babylon Town and an archery-themed fundraiser that collected more than $11,000 for the Brotherhood for the Fallen’s Suffolk County chapter.

“Her unwavering commitment to the community, from mentoring young people to organizing charitable initiatives, is truly noble,” Suffolk County Legis. Tom Donnelly (D-Deer Park), who recently recognized Marotta with the 2025 Woman of Distinction Award for his district, said in a statement.

By Michael R. Ebert

michael.ebert@newsday.com

Michael R. Ebert is an education researcher and has worked for Newsday in various capacities since 2003. He was part of an 11-person team named as 2008 Pulitzer Prize finalists for investigative coverage of the LIRR's platform safety issues.