Pali Firefighter Craig Thompson Retires

After 37 years with the Los Angeles Fire Department, paramedic firefighter Craig Thompson retires this month. Family, friends and colleagues celebrated Thompson Thursday with a barbeque luncheon at in Pacific Palisades.

It really was a family affair. Thompson's two brothers and his son were at the station. His eldest daughter, Michelle, even drove down from the University of California Santa Barbara just in time for lunch, and to enjoy spring break with her family.

For Thompson's colleagues at Fire Station 23, the luncheon was the perfect time to share memories. Many firefighters, both retired and active, said it really won't be the same without him.

"[Thompson] is one of the best firefighters I've ever worked with," Captain Arthur Perez told Pali Patch."I rely on him a lot."

Thompson's last day at Fire Station 23 will be March 31.