Lovetta Quinn-Henry makes history as Apopka’s first female police chief

APOPKA, Fla. – Lovetta Quinn-Henry was officially sworn in Thursday as Apopka’s new chief of police — the first woman to ever lead the department.

A packed crowd filled the Apopka Community Center for the change-of-command ceremony. Quinn-Henry spent the past six months as Apopka’s deputy chief, and succeeds Michael McKinley, who retired after serving as chief for a decade.

“The transition has simply been amazing,” Quinn-Henry told News 6. “I had the opportunity to do what so many chiefs don’t and that’s to do a six-month transition. To see and identify those who want to carry this mission forward, I can say with firmness that this is a well-oiled machine and one that I’m ready to take into the very next chapter.”

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With more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Quinn-Henry brings deep expertise and local roots to the job. She spent 25 years with the Orlando Police Department, where she led major divisions, oversaw the city’s Crime Center, and directed emergency response efforts during crises, including the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in 2016.

An Apopka native and graduate of Apopka High School, she said she’s proud to serve the 66,000 residents of her hometown.

“It feels amazing,” she said. “It’s full circle for me, having been a student here, resident, and now being the Apopka police chief. It seems just surreal.”

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Under her leadership, Quinn-Henry plans to focus on three main priorities:

1. Reducing crime
   1. Violent and property crimes in Apopka have dropped 26% this year, with no homicides reported in 2025. 
   2. Quinn-Henry said, “low crime doesn’t mean no crime,” and she intends to continue that downward trend by using the latest technology to improve response times and public safety. 
2. Strengthening Professional Development 
   1. She plans to expand training within the 146-officer department to go beyond tactical skills, focusing on leadership, communication, and community relations
3. Building Stronger Community Connections
   1. Quinn-Henry emphasized that the Apopka Police Department “stands with the residents, not above them." 
   2. She said engagement and visibility will be key to keeping trust high as the city continues to grow. 

Quinn-Henry holds a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Liberty University, a Master of Public Administration from Troy University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Columbia College.

“(The residents of Apopka) are getting a person who believes in crime fighting,” Quinn-Henry said. “And who believes in keeping our community safe and ensuring each person feels respected as we do the job that we swore the oath to do.”

She becomes Apopka’s 16^th police chief. Her tenure officially begins Saturday, Nov. 1.