Salt River Fire Department Capt. Steve Wood officially retired on February 21 after 36 years of service to the fire department.

Wood began with the SRFD on December 28, 1989, and held the captain title since July 2002.

The SRFD held a luncheon for Wood at Station 294, at which Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community Council members, Executive Admin team members and current and past SRFD and Salt River Fire Department staff came to wish him good luck in his next chapter.

In honor of his service, the SRFD Honor Guard raised a flag for him and then provided him with a ceremonial flag. He was also presented with a ceremonial ax with his name inscribed on it.

The SRFD Pipes and Drums group performed before the department took a moment to remember Wood’s service with a “last call,” a traditional bell service for honoring a firefighter.