Photos for Headline Surfer / TOP: Seminole County Commissioner Jay Zembower is shown with the honoree, Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma. Eagle Scout Jusin Thompson is shown far left.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
LAKE MARY, Fla. -- Sheriff Dennis Lemma has received the 2026 Seminole County Golden Eagle Award from Central Florida Scouting.
Presented at the annual Golden Eagle Dinner, the award honors community leaders who demonstrate a lifetime of service and support programs that shape the next generation.
While accepting the award Thursday at the Seminole Golden Eagle Dinner at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, Sheriff Lemma shared that the recognition "reflects the collective efforts of Seminole County Sheriff’s Office members" and his law enforcement agency's "long-standing partnership with the community."
Lemma explained: “This partnership is not new to us. It has been built over the course of decades," and added: "It has been sustained through leadership, through shared purpose, and through a genuine belief in the importance of investing in young people.”
Lemma was recognized for his three-plus decades of service to Seminole County, described as having dedicated his career to protecting others and strengthening his community—rising through the ranks from correctional officer to elected sheriff.
While accepting the award Thursday at the Seminole Golden Eagle Dinner at the Orlando Marriott Lake Mary, Sheriff Lemma shared that the recognition "reflects the collective efforts of Seminole County Sheriff’s Office members" and his law enforcement agency's "long-standing partnership with the community."
Lemma explained: “This partnership is not new to us. It has been built over the course of decades," and added: "It has been sustained through leadership, through shared purpose, and through a genuine belief in the importance of investing in young people.”
Lemma was recognized for his three-plus decades of service to Seminole County, described as having dedicated his career to protecting others and strengthening his community—rising through the ranks from correctional officer to elected sheriff.
Today, he leads more than 1,400 team members while also championing critical initiatives focused on opioid prevention and public safety across Florida.
Lemma was further lauded for his service as a United States Marine Corps veteran and respected leader at both the state and national levels, and in his elected law enforcement post "representing the kind of character, commitment, and leadership that leaves a lasting impact."
FAST FACTS: Dennis Lemma
Lemma is shown being sworn in for his third term as Seminole County sheriff at the SCSO headquarters in Sanford, Florida in January 2025.
Dennis M. Lemma, 54, has served as the 10th elected sheriff of Seminole County, Florida since 2017. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as chief deputy sheriff.
EDUCATION: Lemma earned his bachelor's degree from Columbia College and received his master's degree from the University of Oklahoma. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and served in the US Marine Corps.
PUBLIC SERVICE: In 1992, Lemma joined the Seminole County Sheriff's Office, beginning his career as a correctional officer. He served as the sheriff's office's primary spokesperson and received promotions from the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant, captain, major and chief deputy prior to becoming sheriff.
ELECTED OFFICE: Lemma was the only candidate to qualify for the election and was declared sheriff-elect in June 2016. In 2020, Lemma was re-elected to a second term, defeating Democratic nominee Paul "Spike" Hopkins, with 58% of the vote. In 2024, Lemma was re-elected unopposed to a third term as sheriff.
FAMILY: Lemma and his wife, Diana, have two sons and live in Oviedo, Florida.
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Published: Sat, 03/21/2026 - 01:53
Headline Surfer photo illustration / Sheriff Dennis Lemma with Amy Lockhart, Seminole County Board of Commissioners, District 4 office holder. Lemma, a Republican, has endorsed Lockhart, also a Republican, for re-election in 2026. In the inset is the Democratic challenger, Charline Santos.
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