Orange County Leads the Way in Public Safety Investment

For seven consecutive years, Orange County has dedicated more than half of its annual budget to public safety. It is an investment unmatched by most counties in Florida. Under the leadership of Mayor Jerry L. Demings, this commitment, funded through property taxes, reflects a deeply held belief that a safe community is the foundation for prosperity, growth and quality of life.

"Public safety is government's first and most important responsibility," said Mayor Demings. "From fire rescue to corrections to law enforcement, we're investing in the people, technology and infrastructure that protect our residents every day."

Since 2019, the County has strengthened every aspect of its public safety system — modernizing fire stations and training centers, improving jail operations and inmate care, upgrading 911 systems, and providing state-of-the-art tools and facilities for law enforcement.

More than 50 percent of all new County positions added since 2020 have been in public safety agencies — the Sheriff’s Office, Fire Rescue, and Corrections — ensuring faster response times, safer streets and stronger community partnerships.

Fire Rescue: Saving Lives with Innovation and Investment

El Departamento de Bomberos del Condado de Orange has achieved historic advancements in staffing, equipment and emergency response capabilities.

Through strategic investments, OCFRD has expanded resources, modernized operations and strengthened its workforce. The department now maintains four-person crews on all apparatus, a move that has significantly reduced response times and improved outcomes in fire suppression, search and rescue, and emergency medical response.

In addition, major capital improvements include:

• $52 million state-of-the-art Fire Training Center
• $4.2 millión Emergency Operations Center renovation
• Six new fire stations opened (Stations 67, 87, 68, 44, 80, and 48)
• Four additional fire stations projected to expand services and keep up with growth, in addition to one fire station rebuild

Wage increases and labor agreements have kept firefighter salaries among the most competitive in Central Florida, with planned adjustments from 35 percent to 41 percent over the next few fiscal years ensuring that skilled professionals remain on the job.

In 2024, OCFRD launched its Whole Blood Program, providing pre-hospital transfusions that have already saved multiple lives in trauma situations. The department's recent ISO Class 1 rating and accreditations from CPSE, EMAP and IAED reaffirm its national standing for excellence.

"Every investment we make in Fire Rescue is an investment in lives saved," said Mayor Demings. "Our residents deserve the best-trained, best-equipped first responders - and that's exactly what they have."

Corrections: Safety, Wellness and Modernization

La oficina de Departamento Correccional del Condado de Orange continues to modernize its facilities and operations while prioritizing staff safety, wellness and professional development.

Recruitment and retention efforts have dramatically improved, reducing onboarding time from four months to just 4-6 weeks through signing bonuses and referral incentives. The County also completed a mid-year salary adjustment in 2025, giving Orange County the highest-paid entry-level correctional officers in Central Florida - a whopping 51.9 percent increase since 2018.

Capital improvements have further strengthened security and efficiency, including:

• $17.3 million in control room, camera, and access system upgrades
• $10.5 million for a new Jail Management System
• $24.5 million for a planned state-of-the-art Training Center
• $3.5 million to renovate the Booking & Release area, improving search processes and reducing contraband risks

Additional investments include new secure transportation vehicles, $2.5 million in staff safety equipment, and a Medication-Assisted Treatment Clinic offering advanced mental health and telehealth services for inmates. These upgrades not only enhance safety within the facility but also support successful reentry into the community.

"Our corrections professionals are an essential part of the public safety system," said Mayor Demings. "We're investing in their well-being and training to create a safer environment for staff, inmates and residents alike."

Sheriff’s Office: Technology, Training, and Crime Reduction

With an operating budget of $383 million, the Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Orange (OCSO) continues to expand its capabilities and community partnerships. Since 2018, the agency’s budget has increased by $149 million — a 63.9 percent rise — reflecting the County’s sustained investment in law enforcement excellence.

Today, the Sheriff's Office has 2,752 authorized full-time positions, not accounting for vacancies, including 1,939 sworn deputies, who serve one of the fastest-growing populations in Florida. These numbers include all funding sources.

Major capital projects include:

• $27.3 million Sector V Substation to serve the tourist corridor
• $19.5 million Evidence Facility
• $3.5 million Criminal Investigations Division renovation
• 911 Call Center upgrades to improve emergency response

Technology continues to be a cornerstone of OCSO's strategy. In 2024, deputies received new Taser 10s, Glock 47s, and AB4 body-worn cameras to enhance safety and accountability. The results from Orange County's investments speak for themselves:

• 16 percent overall crime reduction in 2024
• 82 percent homicide clearance rate, including 11 cold case resolutions
• Expanded community outreach through initiatives such as Haitian Connect and Senior Connect
• Over $750,000 distributed to local nonprofits from the Law Enforcement Trust Fund

"Public safety investments pay measurable dividends," said Mayor Demings. "Crime is down, response times are faster and our residents are safer because we continue to prioritize people, training and technology."

A Record of Results and a Vision for the Future

Orange County’s commitment to public safety goes beyond infrastructure and payroll — it is about long-term community trust and resilience.

From lifesaving fire rescue programs to modern correctional facilities and innovative policing, the County's integrated approach to safety delivers results. Lower crime rates, faster emergency responses and reduced staff vacancies all reflect a system built on accountability, preparedness, and compassion.

"For the past seven years, we've made public safety our top priority - and we'll continue to do so," asserted Mayor Demings. "When residents feel safe in their homes, businesses and neighborhoods, everything else - education, opportunity, quality of life - begins to thrive."

Orange County’s sustained investments in public safety not only safeguard lives today but also build the foundation for a stronger, safer and more prosperous community for generations to come.