Lovetta Quinn-Henry Sworn In as Apopka’s New Deputy Police Chief, Set to Become First Black Woman to Lead Department

In a milestone moment for the City of Apopka, longtime law enforcement leader Lovetta Quinn-Henry was officially sworn in Monday morning as the city’s new Deputy Police Chief during a ceremony at City Hall. The appointment not only marks the beginning of a leadership transition for the Apopka Police Department but also sets the stage for Quinn-Henry to become the first Black woman to lead the department when current Chief Michael McKinley retires later this year.

Quinn-Henry, an Apopka native and Apopka High School alumna, brings more than 25 years of experience from the Orlando Police Department, where she most recently served as Deputy Chief. Her career has spanned several high-level divisions, including Criminal Investigations, Uniform Patrol, and Special Operations, as well as crisis leadership roles during major incidents like the Pulse nightclub shooting and citywide demonstrations.

Quinn-Henry said, “I am very, very grateful for each of you who are here today, my family, my friends, my co-workers, my new co-workers. Each of you have truly opened up a door for me as I closed one chapter and stepped right into this one but it doesn’t feel strange to me.”

“You serve this community well,” Quinn-Henry told members of the APD during the ceremony. “I look forward to working with each and every one of the men and women of the Apopka Police Department as we move into the next phase of law enforcement.”

The Apopka City Council unanimously approved her appointment in March. Under her employment agreement, Quinn-Henry will serve as second-in-command until October 31, when Chief McKinley is set to retire. She will then assume the top leadership role on November 1, provided she remains in good standing.

Quinn-Henry replaces former Deputy Chief Jerome Miller, who retired in December 2024 after more than 28 years with the department. Miller has since taken a position with the Orange City Police Department.

A Leader Poised for Transition

Chief McKinley, who joined the Apopka Police Department in 2015 after more than three decades at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, personally oversaw the candidate search and described Quinn-Henry as a “natural fit.”

“When my staff interviewed her, her responses sounded like answers I would’ve given myself,” McKinley said. “I’m confident she will lead this department with integrity and take it to the next level.”

Quinn-Henry’s appointment has drawn widespread praise from city leaders, community members, and fellow law enforcement professionals. Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson thanked the Orlando Police Department and Mayor Buddy Dyer for supporting Quinn-Henry’s transition.

“We’re just so excited to have you on board,” Nelson said. “It’s a high bar, but I’m sure you’ll reach it—and exceed it.”

A History-Making Moment

Several members of the City Council praised Quinn-Henry’s historic appointment and her deep community roots.

“It’s a history-making moment,” said Commissioner Alexander H. Smith. “We’re grateful to be part of it and here to support you.”

Quinn-Henry’s academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a master’s in public administration, and a Ph.D. She is also a graduate of several executive-level law enforcement leadership programs, including the FBI Federal Executive Development School and the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Course.

As deputy chief, Quinn-Henry now helps lead a department of 150 sworn officers.

As Apopka prepares for its next era of public safety leadership, Quinn-Henry’s appointment represents not only continuity but transformation—and a future where representation and service go hand-in-hand.

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