About Lakesha Burton
Lakesha Burton is a woman of courage, conviction and character. Her courage comes from her deep faith in God; her conviction is reflected in her determination to consistently do the next right thing; and her character has been built by a lifetime of facing insurmountable challenges and overcoming them.
An extraordinary leader, Assistant Chief Lakesha Burton is a 20+ year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO). As the 1st Female Executive Director of the Police Athletic League of Jacksonville (PAL), Lakesha came full circle, having attended PAL at age 15, a troubled teen mom with her one-year-old by her side. Playing basketball at PAL was her catalyst to receiving a full college basketball scholarship from the University of Central Florida, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology, later earning her Master’s in Criminology from Florida Metropolitan University.
A way maker and pathfinder always, Lakesha has served in nearly every aspect of police work during her career. She now serves as the 4th African American female police Assistant Chief in over 190 years of law enforcement in Duval County. Having served as Assistant Chief of the Community Engagement Section of JSO for two years, she now serves as a zone commander in the Division of Patrol and Enforcement.
Beyond the badge, Lakesha Burton is widely known for audaciously sharing her life’s story of resilience, tenacity and determination, with the purpose of empowering other girls and women with hope for the future. Her heart is in helping others in need, especially children, which is the basis for establishing “Tesha’s Hands,” a 501 c(3) nonprofit that she created in memory of her twin sister. Lakesha has used her powerful voice to advocate for good on local, national and international platforms, having been a Leading Lady Honoree on the Harry Connick Jr. TV Show, HARRY, a nominee for the Jacksonville Image Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Awardee – Resolution 2017-363-A from the City of Jacksonville, and a Citizen Diplomat of the year – Global Jax. She has received the Officer of HOPE Award from American Civility Association, Victim’s Advocate of the Year, served as Grand Marshal of the Puerto Rican & Hispanic Parade, been a Woman of Distinction – Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, a 2017 EVE Finalist, 2020 Officer of the Quarter from Rotary Club of West Jacksonville, 2020 Spirit of Community Award -Florida Commission on the Status of Women, a 2021 Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) Woman of Heart recipient, and more.
Lakesha’s commitment to the community is demonstrated daily by her board membership and volunteer service to organizations such as the Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center Leadership Council, City of Jacksonville Safety & Crime Reduction Committee, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, Police Athletic League of Jacksonville, Read USA Incorporated, Rethreaded Advisory Board and the American Heart Association First Coast Health Equity Committee.
A Jacksonville native and a lifetime member of Hopewell Church, Lakesha is married to Assistant Chief Gregory Burton (retired), with whom she shares a beautiful blended family of five children and five grandchildren.