Apopka Fire Chief Sean Wylam will retire after serving 22 years in the Apopka Fire Department including five years in his current post. His retirement is effective October 31.
Wylam made this announcement today, Tuesday July 16, at Fire Station No. 3 on Piedmont Wekiwa Road in Apopka before his colleagues, family, and elected officials.
Mayor Bryan Nelson gave Wylam a golden axe as a retirement gift for his 22-years of service with the Apopka Fire Department.
Wylam began his firefighting career at the Eatonville Fire Department in 2001 and joined the Apopka Fire Department in October 2002. In Apopka, he finished the paramedic program in 2004, was promoted to lieutenant in 2007, and then to assistant fire chief in 2014. In 2019, Wylam succeeded Charles “Chuck” Carnesale as fire chief.
The following is Wylam’s statement in full about his plan to retire:
Good morning-
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.
Serving this community and leading our dedicated team of fire and emergency service personnel has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I have spent more than half my life working for the Apopka Fire Department and have met and worked with tremendous people. Over the past 22 years, I have had the privilege to witness our department’s growth and resilience, facing numerous challenges together. It is with a mixture of pride and nostalgia that I look back on our collective accomplishments. There have been incredible changes in the department since I first arrived in 2002. The challenges and changes will undoubtedly continue as the occupation evolves, but I know the men and women of Apopka Fire Department are up to the task.
As I move into this next chapter of my life, I am confident that the department will continue to thrive and excel under new leadership. I am committed to ensuring a smooth changeover, and will be happily assisting in the transition.
I am forever grateful and thankful to God for giving me the opportunities in life that he has, I am humbled in the fact that not everyone gets the chances in life that I have been given. I want to thank my wife for the patience and years of support. It has never been you or I, it has always been us. Without “us” I simply would not be here today. My parents, thank you for the years of support not just in my career, but in life. Mom you have been a rock in my life. Mayor Nelson thank you for the opportunity and privilege to serve as Fire Chief. And thank you for your steadfast support throughout my tenure. My administrative staff, gentlemen we have accomplished a lot. As I have always said this is way more important than just one person, I am proud of each and every one of you and forever grateful for all the hard work and dedication each of you have shown. To the men and women of the Apopka Fire Department, keep up the good fight and serve with pride. I will always cherish the memories and relationships built during my career and tenure. To the Apopka Community, it has been an honor and a privilege to serve and I look forward to watching the continued success and growth of the Apopka Fire Department.
Thank you
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