Described as a natural leader, LIEUTENANT DEMEIKA MCCLENDON worked her way up from a non-sworn records clerk to becoming an instrumental part of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) as a lieutenant in the School Resource Officer (SRO) Division, overseeing all youth service functions and more than 50 sworn personnel. Throughout her 12-year career as a sworn officer with OCSO, she’s been awarded several honors for her hard work in various SRO roles. Her most notable accomplishment was in 2017, when she received the Florida’s Association of School Resource Officers (FASRO) SRO of the Year, an attorney general award given to an SRO who made a significant contribution to his or her school and community. She’s also been awarded several impressive district awards including Performer of the Year and Most Fit Employee of the Year when she broke the agency’s female record fitness score.

As a testament to her leadership, she oversaw 12 SROs and their training, which included growing other leaders within her district. Lt. McClendon helped cultivate her fellow SROs, with one under her guidance and mentorship being chosen as FASRO SRO of the Year, the same honor she achieved three years prior.

Lt. McClendon has also made significant contributions to the community she serves in both an on-duty and off-duty capacity. She’s developed partnerships with organizations such as Big Brothers & Big Sisters and Okaloosa Drug Endangered Children Alliance and volunteers as a coach for an area high school women’s basketball team. Lt. McClendon also designed a program to unite her community and peers called Trust, Respect & Understanding Strengthens Togetherness and organized an effort to feed more than 100 families last Thanksgiving.

“Seeing the impact I make on others fills my heart with genuine purpose and desire to continue my life in public service.”