By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
In December 2015, just after we launched The Apopka Voice, I wrote my first story about the Apopka Police Department (APD). At the time, Michael McKinley had only been its police chief for a few months, but he treated our startup publication as if we were the country's most established news outlet. Over the years, that same respect and professionalism remained. He answered every question and responded to every email, call, or text.
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McKinley agreed to a final interview this week, just a couple of days before the APD Change of Command ceremony. He reflected on his 42-year career in law enforcement and his 10 years as police chief during a pivotal period in Apopka's history.
When McKinley first arrived at the APD in 2015, the city's population was just over 46,000. Ten years later, as he prepares to hang up his badge for the last time, that number has grown to nearly 67,000 — and the APD has grown alongside it.
It's one part of Apopka that managed its growth effectively and has kept pace with the population boom.
"When I got here, we had 98 officers," McKinley recalled. "Now we're at 147 authorized."
He notes a similar jump in starting salaries — from $45,480 in 2015 to $68,517 as of October 1st. "That's a 51% increase," he said. "But that's not me. It's their hard work that convinces the City Council to stay competitive and make sure we keep these positions filled. I've been blessed to have mayors and commissioners who supported this department's mission."
It's a hallmark of McKinley's leadership style — always deflecting credit, always focusing on his people. In a profession that often sees turnover and turbulence, the APD has seen steady growth and consistent leadership. Under McKinley's guidance, the APD has become a model for mid-sized agencies in Central Florida.
Building a Modern Department
When McKinley took the helm, one of his top priorities was accreditation — something the agency had pursued but never achieved.
"I felt that our policies weren't as strong as they should be," he said. "I made it a priority to ensure we were accredited and following best practices."
It took 18 months to reach that goal. Now, the department is preparing for its third re-accreditation cycle.
"That helped build the foundation for everything we've accomplished since," McKinley said.
He also made data-driven policing a core philosophy. Working closely with crime analyst Holly Reardon, whom McKinley says he would put up against any crime analyst in the country, the APD began tracking trends and patterns.
"We don't ride around aimlessly," McKinley said. "We go to where the problems are. We're not here to waste gas. We're here to address crime."
The results have been tangible. Part One crimes — the most serious offenses like burglary, robbery, and assault — have dropped approximately 25% since 2016.
"It ebbs and flows," he cautioned. "Some years are up, some are down. But overall, we're in a much better place."
From Orange Groves to Growth
McKinley's career stretches back 42 years, beginning with the Orange County Sheriff's Office, where he spent three decades before coming to Apopka.
"When I started, this whole county was orange groves," he said. "Now I bet there's not one left."
That transformation mirrors the changes he's seen in policing itself. "When I first started, we didn't have portable radios — they were mounted in the car. Now, technology and equipment have advanced far beyond anything I could have imagined."
But not all changes have been positive.
"One of the biggest differences is respect for law enforcement," McKinley said. "Most officers are here to do the right thing, but one bad apple or one bad incident can shape public perception. Social media magnifies that. Still, I tell my officers: treat everyone with dignity and respect until they show you otherwise."
A Family Legacy
McKinley's path to policing was, in some ways, predestined.
"My dad worked for the Orlando Police Department, and my uncle did too," he said. "I actually started college in engineering, but when I got into the math, I realized it wasn't for me. I switched to criminal justice, and it's been a great career. I don't feel like I've ever come to work. I've loved every day."
He attributes much of his leadership style to the mentors he observed over the years.
"Every supervisor I worked under had strengths and weaknesses," he said. "I learned from both. If you want to change the agency or the world, you have to learn from those who came before you."
A Department Rooted in Community
While McKinley admits social media and self-promotion were never his strong suits, his tenure nonetheless saw a massive increase in community engagement.
"In the last ten years, we've increased our community programs by over 350%," he said. "We move National Night Out to different neighborhoods each year, and we tailor our approach to the needs of each community. Not every neighborhood needs to be policed the same way."
That philosophy has helped the APD build lasting trust.
"People don't wake up in the morning planning to call the Apopka Police Department," McKinley said. "They're having a crisis — maybe small to us, but big to them. How we handle that crisis leaves an indelible mark."
Preparing the Next Generation
As McKinley steps down, Deputy Chief Lovetta Quinn-Henry will take his place — a transition he describes as both smooth and well-earned.
"Not everyone gets to spend six months working alongside the sitting chief before taking over," McKinley said. "She's experienced, educated, and she's from here. She went to Apopka High School and knows this community."
He believes her background makes her ideal for the next chapter of the APD.
"She's stronger than I am in social media and public outreach. She'll tell our story better than I did. I think she's going to be a breath of fresh air."
A Legacy of Service
When reflecting on his legacy, McKinley takes a moment before responding.
"I just hope people remember that we progressed. We became accredited, we followed best practices, and we policed fairly and equally — no matter who you are or where you come from," he said. "Our community comes first. I couldn't have accomplished what we did without the men and women of this department. They're the reason for our success."
As for what comes next, McKinley isn't hedging his bets.
"This is a 100% retirement," he said, laughing. "I'm not keeping my certification. I'm not going to consult. I just want to spend time with my wife and my four boys, and maybe go fishing."
For a man who has dedicated 42 years to public service, a few quiet mornings on the water represent more than just retirement — they are a well-earned reward for a career spent protecting and building the community. As McKinley steps away from the APD, he leaves behind a stronger department and a lasting legacy.
Thank you, Chief McKinley, for your decades of dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people of Apopka and Orange County. Your service has left a lasting impact, and this community will always be grateful to you, and so am I.
