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Developing Story: Deputy Chief Wil Sanchez to take over as Interim Apopka Fire Chief

Chief Wylam remains as an AFD consultant until October 31st

Posted

On July 17th, Apopka Fire Chief Sean 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 in the email.

But now, just over a week after his announcement, it appears his time as fire chief may end sooner.

The Apopka Voice has learned from three sources, two of them inside the Apopka Fire Department with knowledge of the events and speaking under the condition of anonymity, that Deputy Fire Chief Wil Sanchez will be named AFD Interim Fire Chief on Monday. Wylam will remain with the AFD as a consultant until October 31st.

AFD Deputy Fire Chief Wil Sanchez
AFD Deputy Fire Chief Wil Sanchez

Sanchez started his career with the AFD as a volunteer. He was hired as a Firefighter/EMT in 2007 before being promoted to Captain, Division Chief of EMS, and Deputy Fire Chief.

This developing and breaking story will be updated in a future edition of The Apopka Voice.

Apopka Fire Department, Apopka Fire Chief Sean Wylam, Apopka Deputy Fire Chief Wil Sanchez, Apopka

Comments

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  • MamaMia

    It is not unusual for cities to have people serving in interim positions until they are filled. I wonder if this man will end up as the next fire chief, or even if he wants the job? I don't know him, or anything about him, but it's a job in the hot seat, for sure! This past Wednesday, my husband and I drove thru Wendy's drive thru and, got some breakfast, and pulled out by the frontage and watched all the traffic and work vehicles. We looked over on the bridge over 441, and saw the workers on the scaffolding, and we wondered what they were doing. I heard hammering, and my husband said that it looks like maybe they are painting. I said wow. working upon that bridge on the scaffolding sure is dangerous, but if they fall, at least it will be on the bridge, and not likely to the road below. The very next day, I read about them falling and getting hurt! I knew how dangerous that was. I keep wondering why they couldn't drive a lift machine upon the ends of the bridge. It seemed possible to me?

    Saturday, July 27 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Apopka citizens are confused about the city's millage rate proposal. Apopka Voice says the vote was 5-O for 4.8399, and Apopka Chief says it was a 5-O vote for 4.6876. Is it any wonder we confused? Little talk about the real concerns of a giant enormous rate increase on water bills monthly of 40 percent, sewer going up 40 percent increase monthly, and reuse water going up 15 percent monthly, Oct. 1 2024, and compounding at the next rate increase probably next Oct. 1, 2025. Beware, beware, if you currently are getting the very same utility bill every month, if you water a normal amount, as it sounds like your meter has stopped. If it has stopped, the city knows, but it will take time to getting around to changing your meter, and then you could get a GIANT water bill in the thousands! No joke!

    Saturday, July 27 Report this

  • MamaMia

    Commissioner Nesta, you need to drop by the gateway to the AHS, as you called it, there at Martin St. and Park Av, at the Albert O. Martin memorial area, where you and the volunteers did a clean up. It looks very bad now, and needs some weeding and maintenance. Hope you will address my concerns.

    Saturday, July 27 Report this

  • MamaMia

    I read in the Apopka News Break about Orange County Commissioners raising their taxes for the first time in 17 years for fire and EMS in unincorporated Orange County. Our district 2 commissioner, voted yes, as well as the rest of them, except for one Orange County Commissioner, her first name starts with a M, I can't remember who, but she voted against the increase, because she said the people were not informed that they were going to be having a vote! No transparency! Can you imagine that, in Orange County? I don't think you will see this discussed in OC district 2's, Ms. Moore's email newsletter! LOL

    Saturday, July 27 Report this