Summary: Valdez B. Demings was born in Jacksonville, Florida to James and Elouise Butler and is the youngest of seven children. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology from Florida State University and her Master of Arts degree in Public Administration from Webster University. Chief Demings has also completed the Southern Police Institute Command Officer’s Development Course.Chief Demings is married to Jerry L. Demings, Sheriff of Orange County, Fl They have three sons: Austin, Antoine, and Antonio. After working as a Social Worker in Foster Care, Val has worked many assignments throughout her career, including assignments in the West Patrol Division, the Criminal Investigation Division, Crime Prevention, Explorer and Cadet Unit, Public Information Office, Internal Affairs, and as Commander of the Airport Division. She has also served as the Commander of Special Operations where she managed special events, dignitary protection, traffic enforcement, traffic homicide, marine patrol, the K-9 and Vehicles for Hire units, and the Reserve and Auxiliary units. Chief Demings currently serves as the Orlando Police Department Chief of Police. In addition to her regular job assignments, Val served 12 years on the Crisis Negotiation Team, Commander of the Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team, and Executive Vice President of the International Association of Airport and Seaport Police. Member; Valencia Community College, Black Advisory Board Member; United Negro College Fund, Advisory Board Member; Guardian Care Nursing and Rehabilitative Center, Board of Directors, as well as numerous other affiliations.
