In this Behind the Badge blog, Alachua County Sheriff and FSA Past President Sadie Darnell and Orange County Sheriff and current FSA President Jerry Demings discuss their presidential transitions.

Darnell discusses how serving as FSA’s president has broadened her perspective as a sheriff and the enlightenment she has gained from seeing the association at work and the strong presence FSA has in the National Sheriffs Association. She examines the most challenging and rewarding aspects of serving as president and the voice of the Florida Sheriffs Association.

Demings discusses the challenges he expects to face as he begins his presidency, including the current political climate surrounding law enforcement. He also examines his experience moving forward as sheriff after the events of the tragic Pulse nightclub shooting and the outpouring of strength and support he’s witnessed in Orange County and across the nation. Demings stresses the importance of strengthening relations between law enforcement and the community and showing that officers can serve not only as law enforcers, but also as mentors and coaches, serving to fortify and unite their communities.