By Emma Longwell, Interning Correspondent for The Apopka Voice
Sirens will blare from every fire station in town at noon on May 4th, but the Apopka Fire Department won’t be racing to a fire or responding to an emergency. On this day, they’ll sound not only to honor the fallen, but Apopka’s firefighters as well.
In a proclamation delivered at the April 16th City Council meeting, Mayor Bryan Nelson declared May 4th International Firefighters’ Day—a citywide tribute to the men and women who put their lives on the line daily and to those who never made it home.
Among those honored is firefighter Austin Duran, who died in the line of duty in 2022. His name was highlighted during the proclamation, marking him as a lasting symbol of service and sacrifice within the AFD.
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The proclamation emphasized the global unity of the firefighting community.
“And whereas regardless of the language that firefighters speak or the country in which he or she works or resides, all firefighters fight against the same enemy – fire.” It recognized the physical and emotional toll to the profession, calling firefighters’ willingness to face danger “a knowingly accepted risk.”
Apopka Fire Chief Wil Sanchez spoke to the importance of the day.
“This day provides opportunity to acknowledge the bravery, hard work, and dedication of our firefighters,” Sanchez said.
As part of the city’s observance, all fire stations will perform a coordinated “sound-off” at noon on May 4th. Sirens will ring out for 30 seconds, followed by a minute of silence. City Hall will be illuminated that evening in memory of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
So, when the sirens wail on May 4th, they won’t signal danger – they'll deliver a message: Apopka remembers. Not just the lives lost, like Austin Duran’s, but the lives still on the line every day. For once, the sounds won’t call them to action – it will call us to pause, reflect, and give thanks.
Photos by Isabel LeCompte (@isasbel.lecompte), interning photographer for The Apopka Voice. Isabel also contributed to this report.
