From Staff Reports
The Apopka Police Department added six new officers to its force in a Thursday 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 128.
Related: No charges filed in APD death investigation.
“We are excited to welcome these men and women to the ranks of the Apopka Police Department," said Apopka Police Chief Michael McKinley. "Through dedicated recruitment efforts over the past year, and with the support of our competitive pay and benefits, we’ve been able to attract and hire individuals committed to serving our community with professionalism and integrity."
Officer Kayla Jimenez was born in Boynton Beach. She graduated from John I. Leonard High School and has an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice Technology and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. Her hobbies include going to the gym, reading, and traveling with her husband. Her aspirations are to be in CID and get experience in as many specialized units as possible.
Officer Brandon Cieielski was born in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Sweethome High School and has a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Forensic Science from Hilbert College. Ciesielski attended Valencia College School of Public Safety for Basic Law Enforcement Training. His hobbies include exploring Disney with his wife, spending time at the beach with his family, and gardening. His aspirations include being involved in DUI investigations and prevention.
Officer Jeshua Ramirez was born in San German, Puerto Rico. He earned a bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Criminal Investigation from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico. Ramirez completed his Law Enforcement Academy at the Valencia College School of Public Safety. In his free time, Officer Ramirez enjoys working out at the gym and playing basketball. His career aspirations include becoming an MBI (Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation) agent and serving as an instructor.
Officer Diego Pulice was born in Orlando. He graduated from Apopka High School and has an Associate’s Degree from Valencia College. Pulice completed the police academy at Seminole State College. His hobbies include weightlifting and grappling. His career aspirations are to become a member of the SWAT team.
Officer Yangel Morales was born and raised in New York City. He graduated in 2008 from Pablo Neruda Academy for Architecture High School in the Bronx, New York. He moved to Florida in 2013 and attended the police academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. He enjoys watching movies with his wife, cooking, and taking his dog to the park. His career aspirations are to join the K-9 unit, as he’s drawn to the high work tempo, teamwork, and proactive nature of the role.
Officer Hirbin Manzanares was born in East Meadow, N.Y. He graduated from Hicksville High School in New York and served in the US Army, where he was deployed to Iraq. He completed the Police Academy at Valencia College School of Public Safety. His hobbies include staying active at the gym and participating in marathons. Aspirations are to be assigned to the DUI unit.
"These officers will now begin a rigorous field training program before they are assigned to patrol duties independently," said McKinley. "We are proud to have them join our team and look forward to supporting them as they embark on what we hope will be long and rewarding careers with our agency.”
Congratulations to Officers Jimenez, Cieleski, Ramirez, Pulice, Morales, and Manzaneres. Thank you for your service to the community, and welcome to Apopka!
