City Council votes 5-0 to promote Wil Sanchez to Apopka Fire Chief

The Apopka City Council, by a vote of 5-0, promoted Wilfredo Rivera Sanchez as the Apopka Fire Chief at its December 18th meeting.

Sanchez started with the AFD in 2007 as a Firefighter. In 2015, he was promoted to Lieutenant/Public Information Officer and then a Fire Captain the same year. In 2020, he was Promoted to Division Chief of EMS, Deputy Chief in 2023, and interim Fire Chief in 2024. 

"My biggest interaction with the interim chief was that we were having a real problem with our EMS billing company," said Mayor Bryan Nelson. "We weren't getting near the amount of revenue in that we should have been getting in and I asked the interim chief... I said hey can you take a look at this as the EMS coordinator says we've got to be there's got to be a better solution to this we're seems like we're not you know not receiving the revenue we should be getting in man he got into that it was it was a it was a can of worms as I think he would tell you and come to find out that we needed to make a change and when the change and we're now probably with some additional add-ons that he's been able to accomplish we probably added a million two million three dollars in revenue from our EMS billing so for the ambulance rides because of some of the requirements the Fed the Feds put on us and and making sure that we're building at the right the right rate he's able to increase our revenue for the city by 1.2 million 1.3 million dollars all a lot in part to his his efforts so not only is he good with the folks because you can see them all they're all here tonight but also good with the numbers and so it's it's it's not only a people job but it's also a numbers job and and you've shown your you know your metal in both and so could be more proud than to to nominate you for our our fire chief and so before we do that I'll look for any comments and then we'll make the motion go."

"He has always worked over and above and always making sure that you know to make sure that the department was working, and you've actually, in the last few months, brought the morale up for the fire department, and that's been a big accomplishment with you at the head," said Vice Mayor Diane Velazquez. "I see it, and all these members are here to support today, so for that, I congratulate you. That was something very important. Following, sadly, you know we all had a very dark time in the fire department with the death of one of our firefighters, and it was very hard to navigate through it, but you stayed on and made sure to bring the morale up for that fire department give them the confidence and the hope that we were moving forward and that things would get better for training and with the leadership so with that I thank you and I see it, and it just gives me a lot of pride, and I wanted to see all the firefighters here supporting as we do so congratulations."

"I'm new to the council and witnessing from the time I've actually been here and just watching how the morale of the fire department has increased," said Commissioner Nadia Anderson. "It's very very touching to see the impact that you actually had on the on that community and you have my full support I've been sitting back watching you you every meeting you're always professional you always ready you're always on time and they're excited to have you here."

"We've had conversations before and I've always told you I appreciate all you do, said Commissioner Alexander Smith. "I've always noticed you've always done your job with professionalism, and even as the mayor said, when you went back to look at all the building, and you dug in, and you didn't hesitate, you came forth, and you have proven that you're capable of doing the job and we're just looking forward to the great things that are yet to come so congratulations."

"I'm so excited about this," said Commissioner Nick Nesta. "It's been clear that you built confidence within your department, and in that, it's built confidence in us and our residents. You've taken what was a dark cloud on our department and our city, transformed it, and made it your own. You create such efficiency in such creative ways to problem-solve throughout your interim position as well as moving forward. I look forward to working with you, and it's very cool to see what you've done. Your leadership is unmatched, and whatever we can do to continue to support you, let us know."

"It's an honor to serve as our 23rd fire chief of an incredible fire department filled with brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day," said Sanchez. "I am truly humbled to accept this position for the residents of Apopka, and I am honored to step into the role of fire chief. I am fully committed to leading the department whose mission is to save lives and protect property through fire, EMS, and proactive fire prevention methods. When seconds count, you can count on us as the dedicated members of the Apopka Fire Department. I pledge to work hard for you and alongside you. I am here to support you. When I look around this room, I don't just see Apopka firefighters. I see members of a family. Together, we have faced some of the most difficult challenges of our careers, which have tested our strength and our hearts, and through it all, we have grown stronger and closer together. As we move forward, I commit to leading with unity and transparency. I am honored to stand alongside you as we work together to create a stronger, brighter future for our department."

Former Fire Chief Sean Wylam announced his retirement on July 17th, effective October 31st. Sanchez took over as interim fire chief on July 29th.

As Interim Fire Chief, Sanchez played a key role in solving an ongoing contract negotiation with the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association and managed the AFD through two hurricanes.

Photo of the City Council with Sanchez is by Kayley Hayden, Interning Photographer with The Apopka Voice, @KayleyHaydenPhotography.