Sheriff Kevin Beary is the chief law enforcement officer of Orange County, Florida. He commands one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the Southeastern United States, with an annual budget of $102 million and over 2,000 employees. As Sheriff, he is responsible for the safety of 960,000 residents and the more than forty million tourists who visit the Orange County area annually.

He represents the fourth generation of the Beary family, who have devoted themselves to the safety of others. His father, Ray Beary, was the Police Chief of the City of Winter Park. His brother, Richard Beary, is Police Chief of the City of Lake Mary. His sister, Noel, is a Deputy Sheriff who leads the Florida Sheriff's Association Youth Explorer Program, which introduces young people to careers in law enforcement.

He is a graduate of Lyman High School in Longwood, Florida, and received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Liberty University. He is an Honor Graduate of the F.B.I. National Academy, 143rd Class, and a graduate of the F.B.I. National Executive Institute, 18th Session. He teaches Criminal Justice at Florida Metropolitan University, which recently awarded him an Honorary Doctorate Degree in recognition of his leadership and community service.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Salvation Army, the Children's Safety Village, Crimeline, Orlando Fights Back, Central Florida Boy Scouts, Central Florida YMCA, Boys & Girls Club of Central Florida, Valencia Community College, and the Tangelo Park Project. He is also Vice President of the Apopka Little League and is a sponsor of the Orange County Police Athletic League.

He is Vice President of the Major County Sheriffs association of America, and Chairman of the National Policy Board of G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training). He has served as President of the Central Florida Criminal Justice Association, Governing Board Member of the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation, and Legislative Chairman of the Florida Sheriffs association.

Sheriff Beary has been recognized for his dedicated service to his community and profession. He has received the Silver Beaver Award from the Central Florida Chapter of the Boy Scouts of America. He has been honored by the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers. In 1996, the National Rifle Association chose him as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

Kevin and his wife, Rebekah, have four children: Brittany (age 13), Robert (age 11), Johnathon (age 8), and Elizabeth (age 2). The Beary family attends New Hope Presbyterian Church in Mt. Dora, Florida.