A veteran homicide investigator is stepping down after a long and distinguished career with the Bridgeport Police Department.

Thursday was the last day on the job for Lt. Chris Lamaine, who thanked the people of Bridgeport for always making him feel welcome.

"Today I just want to say 'thank you' to everybody I've worked with over 32 years," said Lemaine.

Lamaine investigated hundreds of deaths and said he is proud to have helped solved 78% of them.

"I made a lot of good friends and I want to thank all the great people of Bridgeport. I want to thank the great cops, investigators, prosecutors, members of the media. They've all made this career quite a wonderful adventure. I came to Bridgeport as an outsider and I'm leaving 32 years later as one of the people of Bridgeport, and I absolutely love it here," he said.

Lemaine says it feels great knowing he helped so many families get justice and find closure after going through the most painful experience of their lives.