Leading with Strength, Service and Song
Meet Lieutenant Gwenetta Garrett — a dedicated leader who uses her position to inspire, support and uplift others.
Currently serving in Orange County Jail Security Operations at the Horizon Facility (B1), she is in her 35th year with the department. She began her career in a civilian role as a fiscal officer and a Detention Service Technician before attending the Basic Corrections Officer Academy in 1997.
After raising her daughter, she resumed her professional advancement — promoting to Corporal in 2012, Sergeant in 2018 and Lieutenant in 2020. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration in 2018.
“I’d say that I didn’t find this profession — this profession found me,” said Garrett. “Once I started looking at opportunities within the corrections field, I decided to make it my career.”
As a Lieutenant, she oversees a range of operations during each shift. Her main assignment is at the Horizon facility, which houses approximately 1,000 medium and high-medium custody level inmates in a direct supervision environment. Her top priority is to ensure the compound is staffed appropriately.
Her shift begins at the command center, where she relieves the A-Shift Lieutenant and reviews key details including staffing, assignments and facility coverage. This information is then shared to keep the executive leadership team and supervisors aligned across all facilities.
Several times a week, she also leads a pre-shift briefing. Throughout the night, she stays in close contact with facility supervisors, checks in on floor officers and handles any incidents that arise. Over her career, she has worked in every facility at the Orange County Jail.
“Although this profession is full of what I’d call ‘unsung heroes,’ the work we do is incredibly valuable,” she said. “We meet people at some of the lowest points in their lives. It’s our faces, our words and our actions that encourage them and leave a positive impact.
Outside of work, Lieutenant Garrett is a music enthusiast who loves singing and attending live music events across many genres. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, staying active, traveling and discovering new brunch spots.
She’s even used her vocal talent to benefit the department — performing the national anthem at events including Mayor Demings’ Women’s History Month Forum.
Thank you, Lieutenant Garrett, for your years of service and the lives you touch each day!