From Staff Reports and the Apopka Fire Department
Earlier this month, the Apopka Fire Department celebrated the graduation of its newest probationary firefighters at the Apopka Community Center.
According to Interim Fire Chief Wil Sanchez, the AFD increased to 138 firefighters working three shifts, with 46 positions per shift. A new hire orientation starts again at the end of the month, which will fill all the department's vacancies and fully staff the department once the new group completes orientation.
The AFD released the following statement about the event:
"We are excited to officially welcome them to the Apopka Fire Department as they begin their journey to serve our community. These ten individuals are stepping into a role that requires more than just physical strength and technical knowledge. They will face situations that will test their resolve, but most importantly they will also experience the profound satisfaction of making a difference in people’s lives, often at their most vulnerable moments.
A special thank you to our dedicated training staff, whose hard work has prepared them for the challenges ahead. Your commitment to shaping the future of our department is truly appreciated. We would also like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported this special occasion. Your encouragement means the world to our department and our newest firefighters as they take the next steps in their careers with the Apopka Fire Department.
Please join us in welcoming them to the AFD family!"
This event included remarks from Mayor Bryan Nelson and Sanchez, who recognized and welcomed the 10 newest members of the Apopka Fire Department. Chief Sanchez also expressed the positive impact of adding these new firefighters on the Apopka Fire Department and our community.
Here are the new members of the AFD:
- Pedro Berio -Hometown: Orlando
Pedro pursued a career as a firefighter because he wanted to be part of something he could take pride in. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Berio enjoys the camaraderie and family aspect that defines the fire service.
- Brandon Colina – Hometown: Apopka
Brandon became a firefighter in search of a fulfilling career. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Colina feels the most rewarding aspect of the job is the opportunity to give back to the community where he grew up.
- Candice Cowan – Hometown: Deltona
Candice was inspired to become a firefighter by her stepfamily’s deep connection to the profession. She admired how much they loved their work. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Cowan finds fulfillment in knowing she can make a difference in someone’s life.
- Ian Hinchey – Hometown: Orlando
Ian's decision to become a firefighter was deeply influenced by his father, a 30-year fire service veteran. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Hinchey feels the best part of the job is continually getting paid to improve himself physically and mentally.
- Christian Kidd– Hometown: Arlington, TX
Christian became a firefighter after returning from the military and realizing, through conversations with his firefighter grandfather, that it was the perfect fit for him. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Kidd enjoys the constant drive to be his best.
- Damian Mercado – Hometown: Orlando
Damian became a firefighter to give back to his community. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Mercado values the feeling of having a second family united by a common goal, which is the fire service.
- Diego Mogollon– Hometown: Bogota, Colombia
A former Marine, Diego joined the fire service to continue serving his community. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Mogollon finds meaning in helping people during their most vulnerable moments.
- Alejandro Quintana – Hometown: Apopka
Alejandro became a firefighter to understand his father's medical history better and help others in the process. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Quintana enjoys working alongside people with shared interests who push themselves beyond their limits daily.
- Travis Scoggins – Hometown: Apopka
Travis pursued a career as a firefighter because he wanted to help others and be part of the strong camaraderie among firefighters. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Scoggins feels that the fire service's physical conditioning and teamwork are the most rewarding aspects.
- Andres Torres – Hometown: St. Cloud
Andres became a firefighter because of a dream shared by a close hometown friend. As a probationary firefighter with the Apopka Fire Department, Torres values the opportunities to help people while growing mentally and physically stronger.
