It's been 140 days since Wil Sanchez took over as Interim Fire Chief of the Apopka Fire Department and 46 days since former Fire Chief Sean Wylam retired. But now, that interim label may be coming off.
The Apopka City Council will vote on promoting Sanchez as the AFD's permanent leader at its December 18th meeting.
AFD Interim Fire Chief Wil Sanchez
According to the Agenda Packet for the Wednesday meeting, the City is recommending his ascension. Here is its recommendation:
"Interim Chief Wilfredo Rivera-Sanchez started with the City on December 13, 2007 as a Firefighter. He has moved up through the ranks, having been promoted to Fire Lieutenant / Public Information Officer on May 16, 2015, Promoted to Fire Captain on November 16, 2015. Promoted to Division Chief of EMS on February 17, 2020. Promoted to Deputy Chief on October 29, 2023 and currently promoted to interim Fire Chief on July 29, 2024. The City would like to request that Wilfredo Rivera-Sanchez be promoted to permanent Fire Chief."
The Council's decision seems imminent, given an informal vote and discussion at the November 20th meeting that strongly recommended Sanchez.
On July 17th, Wylam announced his retirement in an email to the Apopka Fire Department.
"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," he wrote.
Since taking over as Interim Fire Chief, Sanchez played a key role in solving an ongoing contract negotiation with the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association.
This developing story will be updated in future editions of The Apopka Voice.
