APOPKA, Fla. — The Apopka Fire Department now has a new leader.

What You Need To Know

  • On Wednesday night, city leaders appointed Wilfredo Rivera-Sanchez as the new Fire Chief for the Apopka Fire Department

  • Rivera-Sanchez started his career as a volunteer with the City of Apopka 17 years ago. Now, he says he is honored to serve as the city's 23rd Fire Chief

  • Former Fire Chief Sean Wylam announced his retirement on July 17th, effective October 31

  • Chief Rivera-Sanchez said one of his priorities will be to continue improving the safety training programs in the department

With a standing ovation in a room full of supporters, Wilfredo Rivera-Sanchez was appointed the new Fire Chief for the Apopka Fire Department on Wednesday.

“Yesterday was a great showing of support from the community members and our members here within the department. Just looking forward to this new journey,” Rivera-Sanchez said.

He started his career as a volunteer with the City of Apopka 17 years ago. Now, he says he is honored to serve as the city's 23rd Fire Chief.

“Number one goal is obviously providing the service to our community where we provide as far as fire EMS services and with proactive fire prevention methods. We try to keep our community as safe as possible,” Rivera-Sanchez said.

Former Fire Chief Sean Wylam announced his retirement on July 17, effective Oct. 31. Wylam received a “no confidence” vote from leaders following 25-year-old firefighter Austin Duran’s death, which occurred in 2022 while Duran was trying to move a trailer.

“I wish I can go back in time, but I can’t. And all we can do is just kind of move forward and make sure that this doesn’t happen to another firefighter,” Austin’s dad Michael Duran said.

He has been advocating for better leadership because he believes the lack of it is what lead to his son’s death. He started The 2650 Foundation to honor his son’s legacy.

Rivera-Sanchez took over as interim fire chief on July 29. In that position, he played a key role in solving an ongoing contract negotiation with the Apopka Professional Firefighters Association and managed the AFD through two hurricanes.

Duran expressed his support for the new chief.

“This kind of brings somewhat some closure of over the last two years. But myself and our foundation, we will always still advocate for training, safety, mentorship and education,” he said.

He said he’s confident Rivera-Sanchez will bring his knowledge and skills together to better the department. 

“Very, very excited for this. Last night was just it was a turning point. I think it’s great for the city. It’s good for our family, and it is definitely good for the fire department,” he said.

Rivera-Sanchez said one of his priorities will be to continue improving the safety training programs in the department. 

“I’m prepared to lead our department forward. Looking forward to it. We’re here if you need us, you call us and when seconds count, we’ll be there,” he said.

Rivera-Sanchez added he plans to continue their partnership with The 2650 Foundation to work together towards education and training for firefighters.