By Reggie Connell, Managing Editor
Those of you who read The Apopka Voice know that while I write editorials, I don't make endorsements, and I don't make predictions. But in this case, I will break both of those rules.
JP Hodgkins will be the Apopka Fire Chief one day, and I am endorsing his ascension.
It might be a few years, but the 18-year-old Hodgkins, a recent graduate of Apopka High School, is on the right path and possesses all the qualities he needs to succeed.
Hodgkins, an Eagle Scout from Troop 10 in Apopka, recently completed an impressive Eagle Scout project that has brought a new recreational area to Fire Station 2. This initiative not only underscores his commitment to the community but also provides a much-needed space for local firefighters to relax and unwind.
I reached out to Hodgkins to learn more about the project he completed in May.
"It was basically aiming to help them have a recreation area," said Hodgkins. "Just having a place to hang out, be able to relax, and enjoy the outdoors. Sometimes they're not able to because they're inside the fire station, but that's what the project was aiming to do."
I asked him how long the project took, and he had a follow-up question instead.
"You mean just the project... like building it or the whole plan behind it?" Hodgkins responded.
Impressed that he had the presence of mind to break it down like that, I was more specific.
"I would go from planning to finish," I said.
"Most of it was planning," he said. "Planning took two months. The work part took a few hours, and then the actual building took two to three days."
I also asked him about raising funds for the project.
"So, the main way I raised money was through GoFundMe, friends, and family," Hodgkins said. "We did a car wash at Advanced Auto Parts on Rock Springs Road. Those were the two biggest contributors."
He also told me the amount he raised for the project, but not before displaying another of his management skills.
"So we've raised a total of... let me make sure... it's in the updated Eagle Scout project workbook," he said, referring to his project notes. "It's been a while since I've done the project. Things aren't fresh in my head. I apologize."
"No problem," I say. "If you have just an estimate that probably would be fine."
But Hodgkins clearly wants accuracy over an estimate—a quality that good leaders and managers possess. A few seconds later, he has the figure.
"So, the total that was raised was $1,468, and we spent every bit of it."
According to Hodgkins, he will attend EMT school at the First Response Training Group, which he estimates will take two to three months to complete. Then, he goes to fire school at Seminole State College, which Hodgkins believes will take two years to complete and receive his AAS Degree in Fire Science.
His goal is to be a firefighter/paramedic for the AFD after graduating from Seminole State College.
Hodgkins also has a love for Apopka and its fire department.
"I've always wanted to work at the Apopka Fire Department," he said. "I really never wanted to go anywhere else."
While in school, Hodgkins will continue to be in the AFD Explorer program.
To become an Eagle Scout, a Boy Scout must fulfill several requirements and demonstrate leadership, service, and outdoor skills.
Here are the key steps:
1. Progress Through Ranks: A scout must advance through the ranks of Tenderfoot, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life before reaching Eagle Scout.
2. Earn Merit Badges: A scout must earn at least 21 merit badges, including 13 required ones such as First Aid, Citizenship in the Nation, and Personal Fitness.
3. Hold Leadership Positions: The scout must serve in a leadership position for a certain period, such as Senior Patrol Leader, Assistant Senior Patrol Leader, Patrol Leader, or others.
4. Service Project: The scout must plan, develop, and lead a service project that benefits the community. This project requires significant effort and leadership, often involving fundraising, organizing volunteers, and executing the project plan.
5. Demonstrate Scout Spirit: The scout must show Scout Spirit by living according to the Scout Oath and Scout Law in daily life.
6. Board of Review: After completing all the requirements, the scout must successfully pass a board of review, which is an interview with a panel of scout leaders.
7. Age Requirement: All requirements must be completed before the scout's 18th birthday.
"It takes a lot of dedication," Hodgkins said. "Perseverance. You have to be very committed, that's the biggest thing is commitment to wanting to be an Eagle Scout."
A fire chief must embody a blend of exceptional qualities to lead and protect the community effectively. Courage and resilience are fundamental, allowing the chief to face danger with unwavering determination. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential for managing teams and coordinating complex emergency responses. Integrity and dedication to public service foster trust and reliability within the department and the community. A fire chief must also possess strategic thinking and adaptability, enabling them to make swift, informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Ultimately, the combination of these qualities ensures that a fire chief can lead with distinction, safeguard lives, and inspire confidence in their team and the public.
Sound like anyone we know?
JP Hodgkins is a few years away from fulfilling his goal of being on the AFD and maybe decades away from making my prediction and endorsement come true, but he is an impressive young man who embodies the qualities it takes to lead. He is the type of person that will be an asset to the AFD and to Apopka.
