Jerry Demings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Demings
|
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| 5th Mayor of Orange County | |
| Assumed office December 4, 2018 |
|
| Preceded by | Teresa Jacobs |
| Sheriff of Orange County | |
| In office January 6, 2009 – December 4, 2018 |
|
| Preceded by | Kevin Beary |
| Succeeded by | John Mina |
| Chief of the Orlando Police Department | |
| In office 1998–2002 |
|
| Preceded by | Bill Kennedy |
| Succeeded by | Michael McCoy |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 12, 1959 Orlando, Florida, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Florida State University (BS) Everest College (MBA) |
Jerry L. Demings, born on June 12, 1959, is an important leader in Florida. He is currently the Mayor of Orange County, Florida. He started this job in 2018. Before becoming Mayor, he worked in law enforcement for many years.
He was the Sheriff of Orange County and also led the Orlando Police Department. When he became Mayor, he made history. He was the first person from the Democratic Party to be Mayor of Orange County. He was also the first African American to hold this important position.
Contents
Jerry Demings: His Early Life and Education
Jerry Demings grew up in Orlando, Florida. He was the youngest of five children in his family. His father worked as a taxi driver, and his mother was a homemaker.
He went to Jones High School in Orlando. After high school, he studied at Florida State University. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in finance. Later, he went to Everest College and received a master's degree in business. He also completed special programs at Harvard University's Kennedy School and the FBI National Academy.
His Career in Public Service
Before working in law enforcement, Jerry Demings was an accountant. In 1981, he joined the Orlando Police Department. He started as a detective.
Leading the Police Department
In 1998, Jerry Demings became the first African-American chief of the Orlando Police Department. He led the department for four years. He retired from the police department in 2002 after 21 years of service.
After that, he became the Director of Public Safety for Orange County. He held this role until 2008.
Becoming Orange County Sheriff
In 2008, Demings ran for Sheriff of Orange County, Florida. He won the election and became the first African-American to serve as Sheriff. He was re-elected in 2012 and again in 2016.
In 2016, he was also chosen to be the president of the Florida Sheriffs' Association. This group works to support sheriffs across Florida.
Mayor of Orange County
Jerry Demings was elected Mayor of Orange County in August 2018. As Mayor, he works to lead the county government. He makes decisions that affect many people living in Orange County.
In 2022, Mayor Demings spoke about a law change regarding the Reedy Creek Improvement Act. He said that the change might cause problems for taxpayers. He felt the state government had not thought enough about the effects.
His Family Life
Jerry Demings is married to Val Demings. She is a former U.S. Representative. They met when they both worked at the Orlando Police Department. He was a detective, and she was a new police officer.
They got married in 1988. They have three children and five grandchildren. Val Demings also became the first female police chief of the Orlando Police Department. She later served in the United States House of Representatives.
