The newly appointed police chief for Orlando Florida, Val Demings, is obviously the right pick for the top cop position in that city.  She seems to have it all—years of experience as a law enforcement officer and official, skill, expertise, academic background, street smarts, and an attitude of can do/will do.  She has been described by Mayor Buddy Dyer of Orlando as a “no-nonsense cop” who “knows how to get things done.”

A professional woman who has proven she can manage a diverse balancing act between her profession, her family, and her marriage to Orange County  Public Safety director and former Orlando Police Chief, Jerry Demings, along with numerous other activities she engages in, demonstrate both her capability and versatility.  Val Demings is focused, determined, and fearless.   Undoubtedly, she will lead the police department confidently and in the right direction, and she will do so with continued perseverance and passion.

Demings is the kind of person anyone would like to meet.  She is forthright and seems outgoing and flexible.  Her willingness to try new things lends credence to the idea that she probably is a good listener as well as a strong and proactive leader.  In the past, she has instructed office managers to hit the street and interact with the public.  She must be down to earth, obviously, because she learned to ride horses and likely is an ardent fan of the department’s vitally necessary horse-mounted unit.

Demings has what it takes and is where she ought to be.  Orlando residents, and visitors to the popular city, should relish the fact that the first female police chief in the city’s history is top notch and, in the sunshine state, she will make Orlando shine brightly in more ways than one.

--By Karen L. Bune