By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
The Apopka City Council, at its March 19th meeting, will vote on a potential successor to Police Chief Michael McKinley. If approved, Lovetta Quinn-Henry, currently the Orlando Police Department's Deputy Chief, will take over as Apopka's Deputy Police Chief.
She will replace former APD Deputy Police Chief Jerome Miller, who retired in December 2024.
If approved, Lovetta Quinn-Henry, currently the Orlando Police Department's deputy chief, will take over as Apopka's Deputy Police Chief.
McKinley described a comprehensive hunt for the next leader of the APD.
“After conducting a thorough search, reviewing resumes, and interviewing candidates for the Apopka Police Department’s Deputy Chief vacancy, I narrowed the selection to three highly qualified individuals," said McKinley. "These finalists were interviewed by Mayor (Bryan) Nelson, who provided his input, and their resumes were also reviewed by the senior staff of the police department, who offered valuable feedback. After careful consideration, my staff and I selected Deputy Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry to fill the position. This was a difficult decision, but based on her education, extensive work history, qualifications, and status as a resident of the City of Apopka, we felt she was the best candidate to serve as Deputy Chief and, ultimately, as the next Chief of the Apopka Police Department.
As reflected in her resume, Deputy Chief Quinn-Henry brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the agency and the citizens of Apopka. A graduate of Apopka High School, she grew up in Lockhart and currently resides in the City, further emphasizing her dedication and commitment to the department and the community. Over the next several months, I will work closely with Deputy Chief Quinn-Henry as she transitions into her new role. I am confident that she will excel in leading the Apopka Police Department and serve our community with distinction upon my retirement. As it stands right now, I plan on retiring on or around October 31, 2025."
Quinn-Henry has been with the OPD for over 25 years. Her career includes leadership roles in Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Special Operations, Accreditation and Inspections, and Public Information. She also managed operations at the Orlando International Airport. She led the Critical Incident Stress Management Team, providing support during high-profile incidents such as the Pulse Nightclub shooting and citywide protests.
Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in Public Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree. Quinn-Henry is also a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s Command Officer Development Course, Liberty University’s Criminal Justice Executive Leadership Class, and the FBI Federal Executive Development School.
Under the terms of the employment agreement, Quinn-Henry will earn an initial base salary of $178,000 per year and be eligible for standard city employee benefits. The agreement stipulates that upon McKinley’s departure, Quinn-Henry will automatically be promoted to Chief of Police, provided she remains in good standing with city policies.
McKinley joined the APD in 2015 after serving over three decades at the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
This developing story will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
