From Staff Reports
The Apopka Police Department added nine new officers to its force in a Tuesday swearing-in ceremony at City Hall. With the officers sworn in yesterday and those currently in the academy, the APD's total sworn personnel count now stands at 135.
"This is the largest group of recruits we have ever sworn in at one time, marking a significant milestone for our agency," said Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley. "Their arrival reflects the opportunities provided by the Mayor and Commission, allowing us to sponsor recruits through the academy rather than relying solely on certified applicants. It also highlights the dedication and effort our agency has put into recruiting new officers.
Officer Phillip Galloway was born in Orlando, graduated from Edgewater High School and has an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice. He completed the Police Academy at Polk State College. Galloway's hobbies include feeding the needy and spending time with kids. His aspirations are to make Apopka a better place.
Officer Jacob Braverman was born in Winter Park, graduated from Lake Brantley High School and has a Bachelor’s Degree. He completed the Police Academy at Lake Tech. Braverman's hobbies include book reading, going to the gym, firearms and the outdoors. His aspirations are to be assigned to the Tac or CID Units.
Officer Noah Fenton was born in Grapevine, TX., graduated from Mount Dora High School, and completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies include spending time with family, firearms and sports. Fenton's aspirations are to be assigned to the Traffic Unit or CID.
Officer Caleb Miller was born in Apopka, graduated from Wekiva High School, and completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies include Church and going to the gym. Miller's aspirations are being a canine officer and working narcotics.
Officer Timothy Weaver was born in Orlando, graduated from Apopka High School, and completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies are reading and going to the gym. Weaver's aspirations in career are to join the SWAT Team. He was a prior Apopka police dispatcher.
Officer Taylin Duignan was born in Winter Park, graduated from Apopka High School and has an Associates Degree. Duignan completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. Duignan likes to work out and partake in water sports, and wants to master Patrol then be assigned to an undercover unit like the TAC unit.
Officer Joel Sanchez was born in Orlando, graduated from University Hugh School (in Orlando), and completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies are playing video games, spending time with family, fishing and shooting sports. His aspirations are to help the public, make this a better place to live and to learn as many different fields as possible.
Officer Mitchel McKown was born in Decatur, Illinois. He graduated from Hagerty High School and has an Associate’s Degree. McKown completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies include fishing and working out. His aspirations are to be assigned to CID.
Officer Shamil Diaz was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts. He graduated from Greater Lawrence Tech HS in Massachusetts and has a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice with a minor in business. Diaz completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies are playing football, going to the gym, dancing, listening to music and traveling. His aspirations are to make Apopka a better place to live, join the SWAT Team and/or be a Canine handler and retire.
McKinley also pointed out how many of these new officers have ties to the community.
"Notably, many of these officers are from the Apopka area, which is a tremendous benefit to our community," he said. "Each recruit brings unique strengths and qualities that will enhance our ability to serve. I wish them all a long, successful, and fulfilling career with the Apopka Police Department."
Congratulations to Officers Galloway, Braverman, Fenton, Miller, Weaver, Duignan, Sanchez, McCown and Diaz. Thank you for your service to the community and welcome to Apopka!
