ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. — Orange County Sheriff John Mina promoted Denise Demps to the rank of Chief Deputy this week, making her the highest ranking African American woman in the department’s history.
Chief Deputy Demps is now fourth in command in the entire organization.
Demps is a veteran who’s been with the sheriff’s office for almost 30 years, serving in a wide range of different roles.
Proud to promote this great leader! Congratulations Chief Deputy Denise Demps. https://t.co/CNTVs7qEhz
— Sheriff John Mina (@SheriffMina) January 20, 2021
“I couldn’t be happier,” Demps says. “I’m ready to serve in this position.”
Demps says she’s happy to be making history, but it’s just a start.
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“In a male dominated career, you know, that’s really an achievement...I’m happy to say I’m the first black female Chief Deputy, and hopefully not the last.”
Sheriff Mina says Demps’ love for the community put her right at the top of his list for the position.
“She does have a heart of the community...and I’ve got to see her in action, interacting with our children and with our residents,” Mina says.
The new role means Chief Deputy Demps will be in charge of the Administrative Services Bureau, which oversees school resource officers, human resources, crime prevention, community relations, and more.
Chief Deputy Demps received the news of her promotion Monday, coinciding with the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday.
Cox Media Group
