Jerry Demings facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerry Demings
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Official portrait, 2025
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| 5th Mayor of Orange County | |
| Assumed office December 4, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Teresa Jacobs |
| 28th Sheriff of Orange County | |
| In office January 6, 2009 – December 4, 2018 |
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| Preceded by | Kevin Beary |
| Succeeded by | John Mina |
| Chief of the Orlando Police Department | |
| In office 1998–2002 |
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| Mayor | Glenda Hood |
| 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 is an important leader in Orange County, Florida. He was born on June 12, 1959. Since 2018, he has been the 5th Mayor of Orange County. He is the first African American person to hold this position.
Before becoming mayor, Jerry Demings worked in law enforcement for many years. He was the Sheriff of Orange County from 2009 to 2018. He also served as the Chief of the Orlando Police Department from 1998 to 2002. He is a member of the Democratic Party.
Jerry Demings grew up in Orlando, Florida. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance from Florida State University in 1980. After a short time working in accounting, he joined the Orlando Police Department in 1981. He worked as a detective before becoming the police chief in 1998. He was the first African American to be the chief of police in Orlando.
In 2008, Demings was elected sheriff of Orange County. He was the first African American to be elected to a county-wide position there. He was re-elected as sheriff in 2012 and 2016. In 2018, he ran for county mayor and won. He was re-elected for a second term in 2022.
Jerry Demings is married to Val Demings. She is a former U.S. representative and also served as the Chief of the Orlando Police Department.
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Early Life and Education
Jerry Demings was born and grew up in Orlando, Florida. He was the youngest of five children. His father worked as a taxi driver, and his mother was a homemaker.
He went to Jones High School in Orlando. Later, he studied at Florida State University and Everest College. He earned a bachelor's degree in finance and a master's degree in business administration. He also completed programs at Harvard University's Kennedy School, the FBI National Academy, and the FBI National Executive Institute.
Career in Public Service
Before starting his career in law enforcement, Jerry Demings worked as an accountant.
Joining the Police Department
In 1981, Demings joined the Orlando Police Department. He first worked as a detective. In 1998, he became the first African American chief of the department. He served in this role until 2002, completing 21 years with the department.
After retiring from the police department, he became the Director of Public Safety for Orange County in 2002. He held this position until 2008.
Becoming Sheriff of Orange County
In 2008, Jerry Demings ran for Sheriff of Orange County, Florida. This is the main law enforcement officer for the county. 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 July 2016, Demings was chosen to be the president of the Florida Sheriffs' Association.
When Demings became sheriff in 2008, his wife, Val Demings, was the Chief of the Orlando Police Department.
Serving as County Mayor
Jerry Demings stepped down as sheriff to run for county mayor in 2018. He won the primary election, which meant he did not need a second election. He was the first Democrat elected mayor of Orange County. He was re-elected for a second term in 2022, winning with more than 60% of the votes.
In April 2022, Demings spoke about the repeal of the Reedy Creek Improvement Act. He said that the Florida legislature had not thought enough about the effects of this change. He also mentioned that it would create a burden for taxpayers.
Family Life
Jerry Demings is married to Val Demings, who was a U.S. representative. They met when they both worked for the Orlando Police Department. He was a detective, and she was a new police officer. They worked together on a case involving a juvenile go-kart accident.
They got married in 1988. They have three children and five grandchildren. His wife, Val Demings, later became the first female police chief of the Orlando Police Department. She served as chief from 2007 to 2011. She was then elected to the United States House of Representatives in 2016.
