Cover Article | By Jocklyn Mundy | Photo by Windermere Photography
Chief Dave Ogden and his wife Shelly are pillars of the Central Florida community, known not just for their roles in law enforcement, but also for their profound impact on the community. Their story weaves through personal challenges and professional dedication, offering a unique insight into a life dedicated to public service, community engagement, and resilience through faith.
Dave and Shelly first crossed paths at the Orange County Sheriff's Office, where Dave was a Captain and Shelly worked as a Detective. Soon they were married, bringing together their blended family Jessica, Andrew, and Christopher. Today, they are all married and living throughout Central Florida: Jessica and her husband, Matthew, with daughters Charlee and Hannah; Andrew and his wife, Melissa, with daughters Olivia and Ella; and Christopher with his wife, Melissa.
Dave and Shelly’s only child together Kaleb was born in 2008. Shelly had recently retired from the Sheriff’s office to be a stay-at-home mom when they learned Kaleb had Sandhoff’s Disease, a rare neurological condition that slowly destroys neurons in the brain and spinal cord. Kaleb lost his battle with Sandhoff’s in 2012 at 4 years old. “We took care of him as best we could, it was a difficult struggle,” Dave emphasizes Shelly's unwavering commitment to Kaleb, sharing, “she was his full-time caretaker, she did such an incredible job, he never lacked for anything.” Dave believes the experience taught him patience when he applies it to his everyday life and law enforcement career. “For me, as a law enforcement officer, I think I’ve always had a lot of patience,” he said. “But those years have given me a lot more because I’ve realized you never know what somebody’s going through. They could be having a difficult day, a bad month, or a bad three or four years.”
Chief Ogden shares, “Shelly and I have faith, which gives me hope. One great irony in life is that whether or not you consider yourself a religious person, grief reveals the element of faith in all of us. It shows us where we place our trust when faced with the reality of loss. If you are a believer, the Bible reveals a path through the unimaginable that eventually leads to hope. Initially, the thought of anything good coming from our loss is unbelievable. But the reality is that each loss changes things forever. However, we are not passive players in that change; we get to decide whether it makes us bitter or better.”
Shelly Ogden has a 13-year tenure in law enforcement. She was working as a civilian at the Orange County Jail when she was selected to participate in the county’s employee academy. Shelly says, “It’s funny I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be in law enforcement but once I got there, I knew it’s where I was supposed to be.” Her career was dedicated to tackling sensitive cases involving child abuse and child death, including the high-profile Casey Anthony case. Today, Shelly continues to play an active role in the community, volunteering, and facilitating grief share groups.
Chief Ogden’s 37-year career in law enforcement highlights his unwavering commitment to public service. Throughout his career, he has undertaken a broad spectrum of roles, demonstrating versatility and expertise across various domains. His experience spans from patrol duties to undercover operations, and from community policing initiatives to specialized units such as traffic, motor, and bike patrols. A significant part of his career, spanning 14 years, was dedicated to the Swat Team, where he served as a Team Leader and one of the principal commanders for high-risk incidents. He finished his career at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office as the Central Florida Intelligence Exchange Director and Criminal Intelligence Captain.
In January 2013, he was sworn in as the Chief of the Windermere Police Department. At the time, he was the sixth Chief sworn in for the department in two years. He promptly responded to the challenge, initiating a strategic plan, and demonstrating a strong commitment that has significantly benefited Windermere. His leadership style is characterized by integrity, transparency, and responsiveness, this has created trust between the police force and the Windermere community. As a dynamic and community-focused leader, he is deeply committed to public service and engagement.
Not only did his policies and commitment to quality and integrity improve the force, but he also took on larger projects. Since Chief Ogden’s appointment in 2013, the Windermere Police Department has reached significant milestones, beginning with defined expectations and goals, focusing on the department staff. Because of his leadership, the Windermere Police Department has new facilities and achieved the arduous goal of accreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement. This accreditation marks a significant achievement, it requires adherence to over 230 standards in various critical areas.
Chief Ogden's philosophy of value-based policing and earning the community's trust is reflected in these accomplishments. The Ogdens have a deep involvement in the Windermere community, reflecting their belief in the transformative power of active community engagement. Their presence at events is not just a professional obligation; it reflects their genuine belief in the importance of being active and engaged members of the community.
The Ogdens have extended their influence beyond Windermere, actively participating in local and national events. They are involved in numerous organizations and non-profits, including Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which provides beds for children in need. Dave and Shelly facilitate Grief Share, a 13-week program to help individuals who have lost a family member. As one of the highest-ranking Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belts in the country, Dave has pioneered self-defense programs for law enforcement nationwide. Together, Dave and Shelly founded Got Your Six First Responder Ministries, and created a short film that won several awards to help first responders who are going through troubling times. Their active participation in various boards, including Iron Men of God, Roper YMCA, Hope Center, and the West Orange Dream Center demonstrates their unwavering commitment to the community.
Both Dave and Shelly are involved with the Wind River Ranch in Estes, Colorado. Here, they support the Healing Warriors program for military veterans and first responders struggling with PTSD. Dave and Shelly's roles in this program are vital, with Dave being a keynote speaker and Shelly facilitating sessions. Their contributions provide invaluable support to participants, aiding those who have served our country.
Dave and Shelly’s guiding principles, a mainstay in their life for nearly a decade, emphasize constructive stances, empathy, positive influence, and servant leadership. These tenets guide the Ogdens in their professional and personal lives, underpinning their interactions and decision-making processes. Their legacy extends beyond their family and professional achievements. It lies in the impact they have had on their community, inspiring others to engage positively and make meaningful contributions. Their motto of "Honor, Integrity, and Service" is not just a statement; it is a lived experience that they bring to every aspect of their lives.
“The test of a person's true character is revealed in times of crisis. Sometimes those moments are revealed for all to see. Other times they are only known by those closest to you and God. Over the past 20-plus years, I have personally observed Dave and Shelly in many of these situations. In every situation, both professionally and personally they have both demonstrated what God demands from every one of us, "you shall love your neighbor as yourself". Thank you, Dave and Shelly, for your selfless acts of service and for demonstrating God's love.”
Tom Stroup, Windermere City Council
As we look at the lives of the Ogdens, we are inspired to step beyond our boundaries and contribute to the greater good, embodying the spirit of service and resilience in our everyday lives. Chief Dave and Shelly Ogden have strengthened Windermere's foundation of peace and trust, nurturing a community spirit that will inspire and guide us for generations.
We would like to thank Anna Sells Lakeside for bringing you this month’s cover article.
