By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Fire Chief Sean Wylam announced his retirement from the Apopka Fire Department this morning in an email he sent to the AFD on a department-wide account, which was obtained by The Apopka Voice in a public records request. Wylam's last day will be October 31st.
In the email, Wylam writes:
"Good morning-
After several months of thinking, praying, and many thoughtful discussions with my wife and family I am writing to inform all of you of my decision to retire from my position as Fire Chief of the Apopka Fire Department, effective October 31st 2024.
Serving this community and leading our dedicated team of fire and emergency service personnel has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have spent more than half my life working for the Apopka Fire Department and have met and worked with tremendous people. Over the past 22 years, I have had the privilege to witness our department's growth and resilience, facing numerous challenges together. It is with a mixture of pride and nostalgia that I look back on our collective accomplishments. There have been incredible changes in the department since I first arrived in 2002. The challenges and changes will undoubtedly continue as the occupation evolves, but I know the men and women of Apopka Fire Department are up to the task.
Altogether, this will be my 23rd year in the fire and emergency services, starting with Eatonville Fire Department in June of 2001. I am extremely grateful for all the life lessons and experiences throughout my career. I am grateful for the amazing opportunity I have had to serve. I have always said “we”, the fire department, are literally called to help out when a life is born, and we are called to help when life ends, and EVERTHING in between. What an opportunity!! What a profession, it is simply the best one in the world!! I encourage each and every one of you to never forget that. Appreciate this profession, and uphold the image that others who came before all of us, fought to establish. Be the role model for the children who look up to us and dress up like us.
As I move into this next chapter of my life, I am confident that the department will continue to thrive and excel under new leadership. I am committed to ensuring a smooth changeover, and will be happily assisting in the transition.
I thank you all for the opportunity and privilege to serve as Fire Chief. I will always cherish the memories and relationships built during my career and tenure. I look forward to watching the continued success and growth of the Apopka Fire Department.
Thank you,
Sean J. Wylam
Apopka Fire Department"
The Apopka City Council ratified Wylam as Apopka Fire Chief on September 18th, 2019, after a contentious transition from former Fire Chief Chuck Carnesale, who retired after being pressured by Apopka Mayor Bryan Nelson for several months before his decision.
The tension escalated for Wylam through multiple budget cycles, then hit its peak in July 2022, when Firefighter/EMT Austin Duran died from injuries he suffered during a workplace accident.
In January 2023, Gannon Emergency Solutions released its withering rebuke of the Apopka Fire Department and its leadership in a 45-page report that included major issues with health and safety at the AFD.
In February 2023, The Apopka Professional Firefighters Association voted overwhelmingly that they had no confidence in Wylam.
Two months later, the Apopka City Council followed suit with a 3-2 no-confidence motion.
This is a developing story and will be updated in a future edition of The Apopka Voice.
