ORLANDO -- Orange County has a new sheriff for the first time in 16 years.
Former Orlando Police Chief Jerry Demings was sworn in before hundreds of people Monday afternoon at the Orange County Convention Center.
Demings emphasized many of the same themes he campaigned on, including working with other organizations in the community to address the issues that lead to increasing crime.
However, he said in the end, he and his deputies are on the front line.
"While I consider community partnerships pivotal to our overall crime reduction efforts, when it's all said and done, the responsibility for the safety and well-being of Orange County rests squarely on those of us who have sworn to serve and protect. Clearly, to remain a resilient community and one of the world's premier tourist destinations, we must make the reduction of violent crime the number one priority of this agency," Demings said.
Retiring Sheriff Kevin Beary received a standing ovation both before and after his remarks.
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