(from demings.house.gov)
Congresswoman Val Demings represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Born in a two-room, wooden framed home in Jacksonville, Val Demings was the youngest of seven children. Her parents, Elouise, a maid, and James, a janitor, did all they could to support their seven children and instill in them the meaning of hard work.
Despite seeing few women in the ranks of law enforcement in the early 1980’s, Rep. Demings was inspired to move to Orlando to join the police force. She graduated from the police academy as class president, receiving the Board of Trustees’ Award for Overall Excellence, and quickly earned the reputation of a tenacious, no-nonsense cop.
During her 27-year career she served in virtually every department, including serving as Commander of the Special Operations, where she was responsible for some of Orlando’s highest profile tasks, including special events and dignitary protection. In 2007, Val Demings made history when she was appointed to serve as Orlando’s first female Chief of Police. Remarkably, the Orlando Police Department reduced violent crime by more than 40 percent while she was Chief.
Rep. Demings is eager to continue her record of public service as the congresswoman representing the people of the 10th District of Florida. Rep. Demings sits on the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Homeland Security.
