SHALIMAR, Fla. — Lt. Demeika McClendon of the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office has earned The International Association of Police Chiefs “40 under Forty” award.
The 40 under Forty award recognizes 40 law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 around the globe who demonstrate leadership, exemplify commitment to their profession, and have a positive impact on their communities and the field of policing.
This year’s forty IACP award recipients come from six countries.
McClendon is a role model and leader in the state and nation, winning the Youth Services Division, and being named Florida’s School Resource Officer of the Year.
A natural leader who focuses on service, she is also a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters “Bigs with Badges” of Northwest Florida, and partners with the Okaloosa Drug Endangered Children Alliance.
She helped organize an effort to feed more than 100 families in need last Thanksgiving.
In addition, McClendon has contributed countless hours volunteering as a coach for the Niceville High School girls’ basketball program.