Page 8 THE REVERE ADVOCATE - Friday, June 28, 2019 Fire Capt. retires after almost four decades of service By Tara Vocino R evere Fire Capt. Dominic LaSala, known as a “Good Jake,” retired on Wednesday morning from the Revere Fire Department after 38 years of service. A “Good Jake” – the highest compliment a fi refi ghter can be given – LaSala was appointed in 1981 as a reserve fi refi ghter, became a permanent fi refi ghter in 1983, was promoted to a lieutenant in 1988, and was promoted to the rank of captain in 1995. LaSala served as a mentor to countless young fi refi ghters. Serving on the busiest fi re company, Engine 4, Fire Chief Christopher Bright said, LaSala could always be counted on to put the fi re out, even in mutual aid multiple alarm fi res. LaSala said Wednesday that it was an unbelievable experience. “If you can’t get up every day and do something you love, what’s the use in living?” LaSala asked. “Being part of the Revere Fire Department was my biggest and proudest moments of my life.” LaSala said every day that he came to work was like the fi rst day on-the-job. “The many memories I have with each and every one of you will last a lifetime,” LaSala addressed the crowd. “Every time we made a diff erence in someone’s life was my biggest gift. Thank you, and be safe.” During the ceremony, Bright highlighted a few notable incidents that LaSala responded to during his storied career, where he received commendations. On Dec. 14, 1990, he fought a 10-alarm wind-driven fi re that began on Highland Street, resulting in three other fi res that night. On March 1, ~ Home of the Week ~ SAUGUS...Nicely maintained 8 room Colonial boasting beautiful, updated cherry cabinets with granite counters and oversized peninsula with area, huge, manicured, level lot with separately, fenced in Inground pool with 3 year old liner, one car detached garage, located just outside Saugus Center. Great location - Great home! 549,900 Good Credit or Bad Credit 153 Ferry St., Everett 617-294-4064 View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. We Finance Everyone! 30 Day Warranty on all Cars! * Buying at Eastern will help establish your credit * Two locations with over 60 cars to choose from Fire Capt. Dominic LaSala on the scene at a fire in 2018. He retired after 38 years on Wednesday morning. (Courtesy photos, Fire Capt. Robert Fortuna) 1994, LaSala received a commendation for rescuing an employee and a burn victim at a three-alarm fi re at the Specialty Aluminum Company at 339 Washington Ave. LaSala, who was then Acting Deputy Fire Chief, rescued an unconscious victim from a building fi re along Broadway on April 22, 2007. And most recently in a lighter moment on May 16, 2019, he and his Engine 4 crew helped to rescue nine baby ducklings from a storm drain on Griffin Street, safely reuniting them with their mother, who was anxiously waiting on scene. Bright called LaSala a loving family man and loyal friend who had a strong work ethic, always going above the call of duty. “Here, at the Revere Fire Dept., the simple truth is that Captain Dom is one of the most loved fi refi ghters the department has ever Senior Capt. Dominic LaSala, who retired Wednesday, is known as a “Good Jake,” the highest compliment a fi refi ghter can be given. seen,” Bright said Wednesday morning. Mayor Brian Arrigo said that as LaSala enters his retirement years, he wishes him nothing but good health and prosperity. “Thank you for serving our city faithfully for many years,” Arrigo said. Tara Vocino may be reached at printjournalist1@gmail.com. Correggio attends private opening of Encore Boston Harbor Councillor-at-Large candidate John R. Correggio and Senior Capt. Dominic LaSala, who retired Wednesday. 2015 FORD EXPLORER XLT Price: $26,800 * 68,000 Miles MPG: 12 City/17 Highway 2015 MERCEDES-BENZ C-CLASS C 300 Price: $25,500 * 42,000 Miles MPG: 25 City/34 Highway ~ 30 Day Warranty on all Cars ~ www.easternsaleseverett.com John R. Correggio, candidate for councillor-at-large (right), and Robert DeSalvio, president of Encore Boston Harbor, during the casino’s private opening on June 17. (Courtesy Photo)
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