Thursday was a day filled with tears and laughter. The city of Wilmington said goodbye to ten fire fighters who gave more than 300 combined years of service to the city. “Overall it's a better department than what it was years ago,” said Luther Brown. Luther Brown started with the department in 1964. Today his co-workers sent him off to the world of retirement. “All the men and women I’ve worked with over the years, the camaraderie, and we really depended on one another, and learned a lot from each other,” Brown added. "Friendships, the relationships we've had across the state of North Carolina, that camaraderie, it's like another family and I think I’m going to miss that family,” said Ron Jordan. Beneath the sad farewells, were some hearty laughs. Chief Ron Jordan was one of the men who retired on Thursday. We asked him what his plans are for retirement. "None! I'm wearing shorts and flip flops, that's all I’m ever wearing,” he said.