According to her bio Demings fundamental sense of right and wrong was guided by both her parents’ lessons and the police shows she watched as a child. Later, she served as the "school patrol" at Dupont Junior High School. This is where she first got a taste for law enforcement — and she stuck with it.

Demings was the first in her family to graduate from college and was determined to graduate from the police academy as well. She ended up not only doing that, but also being voted class president by her peers. She even received the Board of Trustees’ Award for Overall Excellence. Those around her said she was smart, tenacious, and had the personality of a no-nonsense cop.

In 2007, she rose through the ranks of the Orlando Police Department (OPD), becoming the city's first female Chief of Police. During her time at OPD she reduced violent crime by more than 40% due in part to a campaign she created. She also implemented a mentoring program. She spent 27 years with the department.

Rep. Val Demings

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