Breaking News: Carnesale retiring as Apopka Fire Chief

Breaking News

By Reggie Connell/Managing Editor of The Apopka Voice

The Apopka Voice has learned from a source inside the Apopka Fire Department that Apopka Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale will resign from his post on Friday.

In an email to the AFD, Carnesale wrote:

“From my first day as a 13-year-old Fire Explorer to the last three years as your fire chief, I’ve been extremely honored and blessed to be a part of this amazing department. I have had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented, gifted and dedicated individuals. I couldn’t be more proud of all of you as I am today. In just three short years, we’ve accomplished so much together as a team and prepared our great city for the next phase of its growth. Most importantly, we’ve made significant strides and implementations in firefighter safety. Believe me when I say, your safety has and always will be my number one priority.

I am deeply grateful to all of you that have influenced my life since my career began in 1983. This fire department practically raised me in the absence of having a father. Words will never be enough to express my gratitude for those firefighters who came before all of us and helped build the Apopka Fire Department into what it is today. For the past 37 years, my sole focus has been the Apopka Fire Department. It is time to pass the torch to new leadership as I begin to address my personal well-being and spend some much needed time with my family out of state.

Effective this Friday, August 30 at 5 PM, I will retire from this beloved organization and begin the next chapter of my life. I take with me cherished memories of the many exceptional colleagues I have been fortunate to work with on behalf of the department.

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and support over the last several months. I will never forget you and will continue to pray for your safety and the safety of our citizens of this great city of Apopka. May God bless you all.”

This is is a breaking news story and will be updated as more is learned. Stay with The Apopka Voice for further details.