History of Orange County Sheriffs Office

The first sheriff of Orange County dates from the earliest days of Florida's statehood in 1845. On January 31, 1845, the area known as Mosquito County in Territorial Florida was renamed Orange County, a name reflective of the spreading blanket of orange groves throughout the region. Less than six weeks later, on March 3, 1845, Florida's status as a territory was changed to that of statehood. The first statewide election was conducted on May 26, 1845. William Henry Williams was elected to serve as Orange County's first sheriff.

Since 1845, numerous prominent individuals have held the position of the Orange County Sheriff, including David William Mizell. Mizell was the first and only sheriff killed in the line of duty. There have been numerous theories and tales regarding the story which lead to his demise, ranging from the local tradition of the 'Barber-Mizell feud' to Reconstruction politics to a lawman simply attempting to do his additional duty of levying fines and collecting taxes.

Much has changed within the Orange County Sheriff's Office since the first sheriff was elected more than a hundred and fifty years ago. Every sheriff elected since then has strived to improve the agency. Today the Orange County Sheriff's Office has a budget of over 140 million dollars and over 2,400 employees. Sheriff Jerry L. Demings was elected Sheriff of Orange County in November of 2008 and was sworn into office in January, 2009.

Sheriff's Office personnel are involved with providing direction and role models for the county's young people through the D.A.R.E, School Resource, Police Athletic League, and after school and summer B.A.D.G.E. programs. The agency also has programs for the elderly, the disadvantaged, and all community members through Community Policing outreach programs such as Victims of Crime Assistance League(VOCAL), and the Senior and Civilian Police Academy. Additionally, members of the agency and numerous citizens are assisted through the Sheriff's Chaplain Program, one of the largest in the nation, composed of all-volunteer ministers.

In recent years the agency has improved its computer, communications and records management systems. Mobile data terminals have been installed in patrol vehicles as well as the use of automatic vehicle locator system to ensure rapid response to citizen's calls for service. New .45 caliber semi-automatic weapons were issued to all deputies, replacing their 9mm, and new facilities were built in order to maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of the agency. Many functions, such as criminal investigation, were consolidated and moved to the new facilities. In addition, enhanced training for all members of the agency was implemented. Thanks to all sworn and civilian personnel, including volunteers, the Orange County Sheriff's Office became the first Nationally and State certified Law Enforcement Agency in Orange County.