Sheriff Kevin Beary, (ret.)

Sheriff Kevin Beary is the chief law enforcement officer of Orange County. Elected in 1992, the sheriff commands one of the largest agencies in the southeastern United States. With an annual budget exceeding $131 million and over 2,200 employees, Sheriff Beary is responsible for the safety of over 960,000 residents and the more than 43 million tourists that visit Orange County each year.

In addition, Sheriff Beary is president of the Major County Sheriff’s Association and has been appointed by Governor Jeb Bush to co-chair the Florida Domestic Security Task Force (Region V) on terrorism. He has also been asked to serve on the FBI’s Executive Advisory Team for Homeland Security. Sheriff Beary is past president of both the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association and the Florida SWAT Association. He currently serves on the D.A.R.E. America Operations Advisory Committee and is past chairman of the National Police Board of G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training).

Sheriff Beary has received numerous awards for his dedicated service to his community and profession. In June, 2003 he was named 2003 Sheriff of the Year by the National Sheriff’s Association. In 2002, he received the Professional Achievement Award from the University of Central Florida. In 2001, he was honored with the Hispanic Community Award and in 2000 received the Police Athletic League Award. He is also the recipient of the Silver Beaver Award from the Central Florida chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1996, he was recognized by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers and the National Rifle Association chose him as their Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Sheriff Beary holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Central Florida. He is also an honor graduate of the FBI National Academy 143rd Class and a graduate of the FBI National Executive Institute 18th Session. He teaches criminal justice at the University of Central Florida and Florida Metropolitan University, which recently presented him with an honorary degree in recognition of his leadership and community service.

Sheriff Beary and his wife Rebekah have four children and currently reside in the northwest area of Orange County.