It was a cheerful reunion at the San Diego International Airport Thursday, as a local firefighter returned from a long journey.
Thomas Pittman, an engineer with Cal Fire in Ramona, returned from a cross-country journey cycling for charity.
In 36 days, Pittman rode his bicycle from San Diego to Jacksonville, Florida, an incredible 2,500 miles total.
Fire engines from Ramona and the City of San Diego were parked along the Southwest Terminal as his plane landed. Cal Fire Chief Tony Meachem was also there to greet him.
Pittman said the greeting was an emotional one for him.
"The thought of finishing something so tremendous, what you're doing it for, the people coming out to support you," said Pittman. "And the thought of what you've been through day in and day out."
Pittman rode up to 100 miles a day to raise funds for the Cory Iverson Foundation.
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Cory Iverson died battling the Thomas Fire in Ventura County. He left behind his wife and two daughters, Evie and Taylor. His wife established the foundation in his honor.
"He was the best type of friend," said Pittman. "He was a family man. His loss was tremendous."
Pittman raised $12,000 during his trip for the foundation, going well over his initial fundraising goal.
