Tommy Thompson. 1940-2023

January 8, 1940 - May 5, 2023 We are saddened to announce the passing of Retired Fullerton Fire Department Inspector Tommy Thompson, after battling a long illness. Tommy was a Fullerton native and inspired others his entire life. He applied the traits of his dear father, Judge Raymond Thompson, who served as the City of Fullerton's first City Attorney. Judge Thompson was the third Superior Court Judge appointed to serve at Santa Ana Courthouse serving Orange County. Tommy's introduction to the fire service came by chance on a day in 1962 when as a school bus driver, he became stuck in a face-off on a narrow La Habra Heights Road with a member of the Heights Volunteer Fire Department. After serving 15 years as a Volunteer at La Habra Heights FD, Tommy accepted a full-time position as Firefighter with Fullerton Fire Department in 1977 serving the city for 35 years. Most of his career has been in the Fire Prevention Division, where as an Inspector and Arson Investigator he earned a reputation throughout OC for his tenacity and attention to detail. He was a mentor to hundreds of people desiring to get into the fire service. He volunteered at any opportunity to make a difference for others. Because of his transportation experience, owning his own bus company, and being a founding member of the California Association of School Transportation Officials (CASTO) Thompson is a recognized authority on the subject of bus extrication in fires and was called upon by jurisdictions throughout the U.S. to teach school bus drivers and emergency services personnel. Tommy was twice named "Firefighter of the Year" by the Fullerton Firefighters' Association, was a member of numerous professional organizations: California State Firefighter's Association, (CSFA) California Arson Investigators, (CASTO) and many others. He served his country as a soldier in the US Army, from 1963 to 1969, including serving in Germany as a teletype operator. Tommy is survived by his nieces, Allison Spotts and Leslie Dean, nephew Charles Brickell and Fire Family. VIEWING Tuesday, May 16 from 4-7 pm McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, 902 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton FUNERAL SERVICE Wednesday, May 17 at 11:30 am Fullerton Free Church, 2801 Brea Blvd, Fullerton Dress: Class A Preferred CELEBRATION OF LIFE RECEPTION Immediately following the service Fullerton Free Church INTERMENT Thursday, May 18 at 10 am Loma Vista Memorial Park, 701 E. Bastanchury Rd, Fullerton Officiant; Pastor Fernando Villica¤a, Firehouse Church, Brea In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be given in Tommy Thompson's name to: Fullerton Firefighters Association #3421, PO Box 979, Fullerton, California 92832 You may send cards or condolences: Thomas Thompson Family, 1530 E. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton, CA 92831 McAulay & Wallace Mortuary

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