Veteran firefighter leaving Ripon station
A RIPON firefighter is hanging up his hat after more than two decades of serving the local community.
Crew manager Neil Gray, who joined the city's part-time retained service at the end of 1987, leaves this weekend because of work commitments for his new full-time job with the Civil Aviation Authority inspectors based in Manchester.
Mr Gray is also leaving his current full-time post as one of the chief instructors at Teeside Airport fire school.
tribute
Paying tribute to his colleague, fellow Ripon crew manager Bob Hesp said: "All the remaining members at Ripon fire station are extremely sorry to see such a valuable member and good friend depart, but would like to wish Neil and his family all the very best for the future."
During his time with Ripon fire service, Mr Gray has attended many major incidents – the last one being the Majestic hotel fire in Harrogate in May.
fundraiser
In his spare time, Mr Gray has managed to raise more than 30,000 for local charities and good causes since he took up long distance running 20 years ago.
Among those that have benefited from his efforts are Ripon Community Hospital, palliative cancer care nurses in Ripon, the baby care unit in Harrogate, and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
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Weather for Ripon
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 8 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: East
