In a deal that took almost 18 months to close, the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association and the City of Apopka reached a tentative contract agreement this morning.

Klepper: "What transpired tonight when public comment was pushed to the end of a public meeting and then subsequently and DECEPTIVELY cut off from the public YouTube feed was unconscionable and fundamentally un-American."

Deputy Chief Wil Sanchez officially took over as Interim Chief of the Apopka Fire Department on Monday morning. His term lasts until October 31st.

Duran: "It was once said, “Facts are a funny thing.” In my two years of involvement with the city of Apopka and the Apopka Fire Department, I’ve found very little “funny.” In fact, I have found much of what goes on in city hall disgusting and disturbing, to say the least."

The Apopka Voice has learned from three sources, two inside the Apopka Fire Department with knowledge of the events, and speaking under the condition of anonymity, that Deputy Fire Chief Wil Sanchez will be named AFD Interim Fire Chief on Monday.

JP Hodgkins will be the Apopka Fire Chief one day, and I am endorsing his ascension. It might be a few years, but the 18-year-old Hodgkins, a recent graduate of Apopka High School, is on the right path and possesses all the qualities he needs to succeed.

On Wednesday, Apopka Professional Firefighters Association President Alex Klepper and Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson had contrasting opinions on Sean Wylam's time as a fire chief and his career as a firefighter.

Apopka Fire Chief Sean Wylam has announced he will be stepping down, according to an email he sent to AFD firefighters and staff. Wylam's tumultuous time as Apopka's top firefighter will end October 31st.

Please join the Apopka Fire Department in congratulating Lieutenant Mandy Mathis for being voted the 2023 Firefighter of the Year.

In this second year, with the support of the Duran family, The 2650 Foundation looks to recreate that support for our fire department in loving memory of Austin Duran.

Austin Duran's tragic death in 2022 shocked the community and tore apart the morale of the Apopka Fire Department. Now, he will be honored nationally at a weekend ceremony.

The 2650 Foundation strives to continue Austin’s legacy by raising awareness of the importance of safety and training through educational scholarships and opportunities. Equally important to the foundation’s efforts are mentorship and mental health.

Austin Duran taught Apopka a lot in his short career as a firefighter and inspired us beyond all expectations in his death.  His dedication and sacrifice left a lasting impact.

In honor of Austin Duran, Apopka is erecting a service hero street sign at the corner of East 5th Street and South Park Avenue.

Sonny’s BBQ in Apopka is hosting a  competition between the Apopka Police and Fire departments on Saturday, January 13th, from 9 am to 4 pm.

The Apopka City Council, at its January 3rd meeting, voted unanimously to accept the bid from Miller Construction Management to build Apopka Fire Station #6.