From Staff Reports and the Apopka Police Department
The Apopka Police Department added a new officer to its force. Officer James Ramsey was sworn in at Apopka City Hall on Wednesday by Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley.
Ramsey is 20 years old, born in Orlando, and raised in Longwood, where he graduated from Lyman High School in 2022. He attended the police academy at Seminole State College in 2024. He is currently assigned to the Army Reserves, 196th Transportation CO, where he holds the rank of Specialist.
"Law enforcement is a career I can be proud of and the benefits the City of Apopka provides," Ramsey said when asked why he chose a career as a police officer.
According to McKinley, the APD currently has 120 sworn officers, including Ramsey and the officers in the academy, three of whom graduated on Thursday.
Maintaining a ratio of 2.5 police officers per 1,000 residents at the Apopka Police Department is crucial for ensuring public safety and fostering a strong sense of community security. This staffing level allows for adequate patrol coverage, quicker response times to emergencies, and the ability to engage in proactive policing efforts that can prevent crime before it occurs.
Additionally, having sufficient officers ensures that the department can effectively handle the growing demands of a rapidly expanding population, addressing both current and future needs. With this ratio, the Apopka Police Department is better equipped to build trust within the community, enhance officer wellness by reducing burnout, and maintain a safe environment for all residents.
McKinley focuses on this issue when he presents the APD's budget each year.
“We are pleased to welcome Officer Ramsey to the ranks of the Apopka Police Department," McKinley said. "We look forward to him having a long and prosperous career with us.”
