Central York Fire Services (CYFS) officially renamed its Station 4-1 on Thursday in honour of Newmarket’s first full-time firefighter and former fire chief.
An unveiling ceremony was held at the station on Gorham Street, which will now be known as the ‘Sam Rippey Fire Station,’ with local leaders and fire service members in attendance.
Rippey began his career in 1964 as a volunteer, and became the town’s first full-time firefighter in 1971 before being promoted to deputy chief in 1977, and fire chief a year later.
Over nearly three decades, he introduced key changes, including Newmarket’s first Fire Prevention Division, a fitness program for firefighters, and a regional dispatch system.
"While I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Chief Rippey, I see the profound results of his vision and foresight here at CYFS today," stated current CYFS Chief Rocco Volpe.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said Rippey’s leadership helped to shape the community. “People looked up to him not just because of his rank, but because of his integrity, leadership and dedication to protecting the community. Renaming the station in his honor allows his legacy to inspire future generations.”
The Sam Rippey Fire Station, built in 1991, is one of two fire station serving Newmarket. It houses one fire crews and the CYFS fire prevention and education division.