Fire chief who saved lives in Bradford City tragedy dies

Heartfelt tributes have been paid to sub-officer Joseph Greig, better known as Joe, who passed away peacefully aged 89 last month.

Joe, who lived in Bradford all his life, will be laid to rest on Friday. 

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus today, Joe's son Paul described his father as "simply the best".

Joe in his younger years (Image: Submitted)

"He was truly amazing and very much loved by us all," he said.

"He was the captain of our family and he'll never be forgotten."

'He absolutely loved his job'

Fifty-six people died and more than 250 people were injured in the Bradford City disaster.

Joe was in charge of Green Watch - the first fire crew to arrive at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985. A blaze had engulfed the main stand.

He saw spectators jammed in the doorway at the top of the staircase leading to the directors' rooms and yanked them free.

Joe, of Girlington, did not realise at the time but he had broken ribs and torn muscles in his chest and back.

But he worked on for two hours and then took off his jumper and supporting tunic before collapsing.

Joe was hospitalised and off work for nearly six months. 

The following year, he was presented with the British Empire Medal.

Joe got a hug from his wife Eunice after he was awarded the British Empire Medal (Image: Submitted)

"Dad always insisted it was a team award," Paul said. 

"He was part of an amazing team that day - and he proudly accepted the medal on behalf of all of them - his 'band of brothers' as he called them."

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus when he received the accolade, Joe said: "I am very proud to receive this award, but more for the brigade and particularly those on Green Watch. They should all have had a medal.

"I do think there are probably other people who deserve a medal more than me. There were spectators there who will never get recognition for what they did.

"I regard this as a pat on the back for the brigade. I still think about the fire a lot in a professional capacity.

"I wonder if I would do the same thing again. But in this case I do not think there was anyone who did not do a marvellous job."

After completing two years of National Service, Joe joined the fire service in 1963.

He worked in the Bradford area all his life, starting as a firefighter before becoming a leading firefighter and sub-officer.

He was in the fire service for 25 years and one day before retiring. 

As well as responding to the Bradford City disaster, Joe dealt with several other major incidents locally, including the M62 coach bombing in 1974.

"He was very well-respected in the fire service," Paul said.

Paul Greig, Joe's son (Image: Submitted)

"He absolutely loved his job and he was very good at it."

In his retirement, Joe enjoyed reading up on the fire service and the military.

He also enjoyed watching sport and spending time with his family and friends - and he "absolutely adored" Paul's dog, Beemer. 

"In his last days at hospital, we arranged to get dad in a wheelchair and take him to the car park where Beemer was waiting," Paul said.

"Dad cried as Beemer gently snuggled up to his pal."

"He'll be missed so much by us all," Paul added.

'Magical send-off'

Joe, who died in Westwood Park Hospital on February 25, was married to the late Eunice.

They had three children - Paul, Janet and Carol - and he was also a grandfather, great-grandfather, father-in-law, uncle, and brother-in-law. 

The funeral service will take place at St James' Church, Thornton, at 11.30am on Friday, followed by interment at Thornton Cemetery. 

RIP Joe (Image: Submitted)

Paul said: "There will be a strong fire service and military theme at the funeral. 

"We're expecting a lot of people to be there, including many of his former colleagues.

"It should be a magical send-off for him."

Paul thanked everyone who had been in touch with tributes since his father's death.

He also thanked the hospital staff who helped to look after his father. 

"Beemer is missing his mate - as am I," added Paul.