Sheriff Dennis Lemma

05/26/2026

It was a true honor to serve as the guest speaker at the City of Oviedo Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony, where we gathered to honor the brave men and women whose lives were lost in service to our nation.

“Memorial Day is not simply about remembering history. It is about renewing our responsibility to live worthy of the freedoms secured by those who never made it home. Their sacrifice is forever woven into the foundation of this nation and into the communities they swore to protect.”

Thank you to the hundreds of community members, veterans, families, and supporters who attended this year’s ceremony. Your presence matters. It sends a powerful message that the lives, service, and sacrifices of our heroes will never be forgotten.

Special thanks to the American Legion Memorial Post 243 of Oviedo for continuing to host this meaningful ceremony each and every year.

05/25/2026

Today, on Memorial Day, we pause as a nation to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces whose lives were taken in service to our country. Their sacrifice secured the freedoms we enjoy today and preserved the ideals that define America, especially as we recognize our nation’s Semiquincentennial year and 250 years of liberty.

Memorial Day is more than a long weekend or a tradition. It is a reminder that freedom has always carried a cost, paid by generations of Americans willing to place service above self.

In every ceremony, every wreath, every name etched in stone, and every folded flag presented to a family, we renew a solemn pledge and promise: that these heroes will never be forgotten.

To all Gold Star families and those carrying the weight of loss today, Seminole County stands with you. We remember. We honor. And we will never forget.

05/22/2026

I am grateful for the hundreds who gathered at Cranes Roost Park for the 2026 Seminole County Law Enforcement Memorial Ceremony earlier this week, as we honored and remembered the lives of the nine Seminole County heroes who were taken from us in the line of duty. Your attendance serves as a visible demonstration of the continued support of the policing profession and the families of our heroes.

I believe, without reservation, that these ceremonies are not just annual events. They are part of our pledge and promise to never forget.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in remembrance and reflection, and to the Altamonte Springs Police Department and the City of Altamonte Springs for hosting this meaningful event.

05/18/2026

Fentanyl continues to impact communities across our nation, and the work to combat it requires strong partnerships at every level.

Thank you to Spectrum News for highlighting this important issue, and to DEA Special Agent in Charge Danny Escobar for his leadership and continued partnership in the fight to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets and protect our communities.

New DEA Special Agent in Charge leading Tampa division

05/15/2026

Peace Officers Memorial Day is a solemn reminder that behind every badge is a person who chose a life of service to others, and for far too many families, a sacrifice that can never be repaid.

A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of presiding over the Florida Sheriffs Association Memorial Ceremony, where sheriffs and deputies from across our state stood united in remembrance of those whose lives were taken in the line of duty. Next week, our community will gather once again for the Seminole County Law Enforcement Memorial.

These memorials are not simply annual events on a calendar. They are part of our profession’s enduring pledge and promise to never forget.

Since 1776, 27,361 law enforcement professionals in the United States have died in the line of duty. Forty names have already been added this year alone. As we often say within this profession: “Not one more name.”

Today, we honor their memory, support their families, and recommit ourselves to serving with courage, integrity, and purpose.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mothers, grandmothers, stepmothers, and mother figures in our community.

Today is about recognizing the love, sacrifice, patience, and strength that mothers pour into their families every single day. Mothers are often the steady foundation that keeps everything together.

Diana, thank you for your constant support, compassion, and for all you do for our family and our community. We are beyond grateful for you.

Wishing all mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day filled with love, appreciation, and time with those who matter most.

05/05/2026

I’m grateful for those who continue to honor the lives and legacies of the Four Chaplains and all who have served our nation. Their sacrifice is not forgotten, and their memory remains with us.

Today we had the honor to display the Four Chaplains Memorial at the Seminole County Veterans Appreciation Luncheon. We spoke with many veterans and their families about the legacy of the Four Chaplains and what we are bringing to Seminole County. We are also proud to have the support of Seminole County Sheriff and United States Marine, Dennis Lemma.
Thank you all for your donations and support to bring this memorial to the Courthouse Hero’s Mall in Seminole County.

04/05/2026

He Is Risen! Wishing everyone in Seminole County a safe and happy Easter.

Today is a time for faith, family, and reflection. It reminds us of the importance of kindness, gratitude, and taking care of one another in our community.

We are especially mindful today of all police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, dispatchers, and first responders who are on duty and serving their communities. We are also grateful for the men and women of our armed forces who are away from home and their loved ones while protecting our nation.

Thank you for your service and sacrifice.

From our Seminole County Sheriff’s Office family to yours, we wish you a blessed and Happy Easter.

03/21/2026

Please join me in congratulating Captain Mark Pergola on graduating from the prestigious FBI National Academy. As a fellow graduate, I know the level of commitment this program demands. This achievement reflects his dedication to leadership and strengthens our ability to serve Seminole County. Well done, Captain.

We are proud to announce that Seminole County Sheriff’s Office Captain Mark Pergola has Graduated from the FBI National Academy Session 297 🎓✨. Internationally known for its academic excellence, the National Academy offers ten weeks of advanced communication, leadership, and fitness training. Participants must have proven records as professionals within their agencies to attend. The 297th session consisted of two hundred and fifty-three law enforcement officers, men and women, from 48 states and the District of Columbia. The class also included 26 members of law enforcement agencies from 24 countries, four military organizations, and four federal civilian organizations. Congratulations, Captain Pergola!

02/27/2026

I did not want the day to go by without wishing our good friend Don Prewitt a very happy birthday. We fondly call Don “The Godfather.” He is the founder and the visionary behind our Sheriff Foundation, not only in Seminole County but also in Orange, Orlando, and Osceola County. We even have one of our K9s named after him.

Don has personally touched many lives in Central Florida over his years, but nothing is more special to him than helping a first responder in their time of need. 

Happy birthday, my friend. We are so incredibly grateful for you and everything you do for our men and women each and every day. I hope this is the best year yet.