Rod Olsen honored as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year by the Apopka Police Department

Rod Olsen is everywhere. 

The nine-year Apopka resident seems to be involved in everything Apopka. Olsen speaks on behalf of schools, soccer, the Northwest Recreational Complex, police, fire, and whatever is important to the community. He writes op/eds for The Apopka Voice and volunteers for... well, you name the opportunity, and Olsen is probably volunteering for it.

Olsen was recently honored by the Apopka Police Department as the Volunteer of the Year for 2023. The APD released the following statement about his dedication to service:

"Rod exemplifies the essence of volunteerism, always stepping forward with enthusiasm and commitment to assist in any capacity. His willingness to devote his time and energy to various initiatives, from driving patrol cars to actively participating in community events, underscores his genuine desire to ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens of Apopka.

His steadfast reliability and eagerness to lend a helping hand without hesitation truly set Rod apart. Whether assisting with crowd control at local events or contributing to crime prevention efforts, Rod's presence is reassuring and instrumental in fostering a sense of security within our community.

'His unwavering dedication to the principles of service and protection embodies the spirit of the Apopka Citizens Police Academy. Rod's exemplary contributions serve as a source of inspiration for others and reflect positively on the values we hold dear as a community."

Olsen was appreciative of the award and, in his typical humble fashion, diverted the praise back to the APD.

"At last night’s Apopka Police Department’s Annual Awards Ceremony, I was honored to be one of a number of police officers, dispatchers, support staff, and volunteers recognized. 

The Apopka Police Department Apopka Citizen’s Police Academy Alumni Association (“CPA”) is a 70-member organization that I am part of that is dedicated to providing various services to support these remarkable first responders.

Thank you, Chief McKinley, Sgt. Jason Wiggins, Steve Hooks, Charlotte White, and fellow ACPAAA members for your leadership, guidance, understanding and support.

Apopka is blessed with an outstanding group of first responders who carry out their most challenging responsibilities with dignity, respect, and grace.

The Apopka Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association supports the Apopka Police Department in many ways, including community patrol, parades, traffic control, Shop With A Cop, Cops & Bobbers, Torch Run, Foliage Festival, National Night Out, system development/reporting and nearly everything our Apopka Police Department is engaged in. 

One can become a member by successfully completing the Apopka Police Department Citizens Police Academy’s 14-week program.  This program shares information related to policing in Apopka.