Joseph LaSata, Public Safety Director/Police Chief for the City of Rockledge, has announced his retirement effective December 6, 2023. Director LaSata has served as Police Chief since June 2013 and was named Public Safety Director in October 2017 when the City transitioned from a separate Police Department and Fire Department into a unified Department of Public Safety, led by Director LaSata.
Under the accomplished leadership of Director LaSata, the Department has achieved much over the last decade. The City of Rockledge crime rate has decreased by 54% since 2013. The Police Division became an accredited law enforcement agency in 2015 and has rigorously maintained such status since that time. The Fire Division demolished its dated Fire Station 36 and received a new, state-of-the-art Fire Station on Fiske Boulevard, which was featured in Florida Fire Service Magazine. Additionally, the City of Rockledge Fire Division became the only city in Brevard County and one of the few entities in Florida to have a Fire Marshal with full arrest powers.
“Director LaSata has done an outstanding job for the City in just over 10 years,” City Manager Brenda Fettrow said. “There are almost no words to describe my respect and gratitude for his service and dedication to the citizens of Rockledge, his employees, and the City. We wish him the very best for a healthy and happy retirement!”
City Manager Fettrow has named Deputy Police Chief Donna Seyferth as Interim Public Safety Director, as of Friday, December 1, 2023. Interim Director Seyferth has served as Deputy Police Chief since 2017 and has spent her 34+ year law enforcement career dedicated to the residents of Rockledge. Her extensive experience and demonstrated leadership capabilities will ensure a smooth transition until a candidate search has concluded and a new Director takes office.