Contact: Brie Turek (407) 246-3106
Barbara Jones (407) 246-2403

MAYOR BUDDY DYER AND CHIEF MICHAEL MCCOY ANNOUNCE APPOINTMENTS TO ORLANDO POLICE DEPARTMENT LEADERSHIP

January 13, 2006 (Orlando, FL) – Today, Mayor Buddy Dyer and Chief Michael McCoy announced the appointments of Captain Val Demings and Captain Gene Bernal to Deputy Chief positions for the City of Orlando Police Department (OPD).
“I am proud to have these two leaders join OPD’s administration,” said Mayor Buddy Dyer. “These are respected individuals that will continue to diligently serve both the Orlando Police Department and the citizens of Orlando.”
Both Demings and Bernal will serve in Chief McCoy’s administration along with current Deputy Chiefs Karin Weaver and Pete Gauntlett, to manage a bureau of the police department: Investigative Services, Administrative, Special Operations, or Patrol Services.
“As Deputy Chief, each is responsible for establishing bureau goals, strategic planning, and monitoring operations to ensure the proper development and successful implementation of law enforcement,” said Chief McCoy. “In addition to administrative duties, they will also serve as a member of command staff providing recommendations to me on various matters.”
Captain Demings has served the Orlando Police Department for more than 20 years. Prior to being appointed Deputy Chief, she served as Commander of Special Operations where she was responsible for managing special events, traffic homicide, K-9, and several other components. In addition, she had career assignments including Crime Prevention, Internal Affairs and the Public Information Office.
Captain Bernal has served the Orlando Police Department since 1981, serving on the Crisis Negotiations Team for more than 22 years. Also, he has served in various capacities from community relations to the Gang Intervention Unit.
Both Gene Bernal and Val Demings have master’s degrees: Bernal in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida and Demings in Public Administration from Webster University.

###