BOCA RATON, FL — Boca Raton Fire Rescue put out a message this week recognizing four retirements, the kind that hits a little different inside a station.
They called out the “recent retirees” as people who helped shape the department and “strengthen our community,” and they weren’t subtle about it. A lot of years are walking out the door at once.
Assistant Chief Michael LaSalle was the big one mentioned first — 34 years. Fire Rescue said his leadership and mentorship set the standard, the example people point to when they’re talking about how the job should be done. That’s a long time to be showing up, leading, teaching, and doing it again the next day.
They also thanked Division Chief Jason Sekula for 20 years of service and leadership. Not 20 “seasons,” not a short run. Twenty years.
Driver Engineer Mike Young was recognized for 27 years of commitment and hard work, which is pretty much the backbone stuff. The kind of person who just keeps the wheels turning, literally, and everyone leans on that more than they admit.
And Lieutenant Kim Puchalski, 25 years. The department said her service was marked by professionalism and care for others. That line lands. Anyone who’s been around firehouses knows what “care for others” really means at 2 a.m., after the third call, when you’re still trying to keep it together.
They said each of these four made a meaningful impact through their years of service, and that they’re grateful for what they gave to the department and to the community they served.
That’s the whole point of the note: appreciation, plain and simple. A little pride, too. And yeah, a reminder that Boca Raton Fire Rescue is always going to keep moving, but it doesn’t mean the place stays the same when people like this step away.
