Lt. Demeika McClendon, with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, has earned The International Association of Police Chiefs “40 under Forty” award.

• The award recognizes forty law enforcement professionals under the age of 40 around the globe who demonstrate leadership, exemplify commitment to their profession, and have a positive impact on their communities and the field of policing.

This year’s forty IACP award recipients come from six countries.

Lt. McClendon won a national award for the Youth Services Division, including being named Florida’s School Resource Office of the Year.

• Additionally, she is also a mentor with Big Brothers/Big Sisters “Bigs with Badges” of Northwest Florida, and partners with the Okaloosa Drug Endangered Children Alliance.

She helped organize an effort to feed more than 100 families in need last Thanksgiving, and has contributed countless hours volunteering as a coach for the Niceville High School girls’ basketball program, according to the OCSO.

She took time during the awards ceremony to thank her school resource officers who she works with, saying, “They work after hours, they’re truly committed to the safety of these kids. And, without my team, I would not be here. Without a doubt. So I thank you guys, this is for you.”