Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette and other city administrators honored the city’s recent retirees at a ceremony held Thursday afternoon at Bogalusa City Hall.

Perrette said that she wanted to do something special to recognize the six recent retired city employees, all of whom had at least 28 years of service.

Those who were able to attend the ceremony were Ronald E. Brown, who retired with 28 years of service; Mark Johnson, who had 29 years; and former police chief Joe Culpepper, who had 30 years. Unable to attend but also recognized were Craft Johnson, with 28 years; Curtis Hodges, with 28 years; and Edward Gomez, with 30 years.

“I just wanted to thank all of you for your service to this city over the years,” Perrette said. “I hope you are able to enjoy retirement to the fullest.”

Brown spent most of his career with the public works department, and Public Works Director James Hall said he was a devoted employee.

“He’s done probably just about any job you can think of,” he said. “I really appreciate you and everything you did for me and for the city.”

Brown said that he had some tough bosses at times, who demanded accountability and respect, but he appreciated that tough love.

“I know that they made me a better person,” said Brown, who was also congratulated by his wife, Bogalusa City Clerk Lillie Brown.

Johnson retired from the Bogalusa Fire Department, and Fire Chief Richard Moody expressed his thanks for Johnson’s service.

“I can count on one hand the number of sick days that he missed,” Moody said. “I hated to see him leave.”

Culpepper was also congratulated on his retirement, although he is definitely staying busy this month. He serves as an official MCCA photographer, attending all of the events and parties.

Each retiree received a plaque thanking him for his years of service.