Funeral held for fire chief who saved lives in tragedy

Joseph Greig, better known as Joe, passed away peacefully aged 89 last month.

His funeral service took place at St James' Church, Thornton, this morning, followed by interment at Thornton Cemetery. 

The funeral cortege, led by a fire engine (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

The Telegraph & Argus was invited to take pictures outside the church as the funeral cortege - led by a fire engine - arrived.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus shortly before the funeral, Joe's son Paul said: "We want to give him the best send-off we possibly can.

There were emotional scenes as Joe and his loved ones were taken to the church (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

"Many people will be there to remember this hero, this legend, this amazing man.

"He's never going to be forgotten - he'll always be remembered."

Paul read an emotional eulogy to his dad during the funeral service - describing him as his "best mate".

'RIP to a true hero'

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

There was a strong fire service and military theme at the funeral (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

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

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

Joe's coffin being carried into the church (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

He was in charge of Green Watch - the first fire crew to arrive amid the Bradford City disaster at Valley Parade on May 11, 1985.

A blaze had engulfed the main stand, claiming the lives of 56 people and leaving more than 250 injured.

A piper plays as the sun shone (Image: Newsquest/Mike Simmonds)

Joe saw spectators jammed and yanked them free.

He did not realise at the time but he had broken ribs and torn muscles in his chest and back.

But Joe, of Girlington, worked on for two hours and then took off his jumper and supporting tunic before collapsing.

He was hospitalised and off work for nearly six months. 

The following year, Joe was presented with the British Empire Medal and accepted it on behalf of all his colleagues.

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

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. 

Tributes have been flooding in for Joe since his death, including on the Telegraph & Argus' Facebook page.

Cally Hall-Bryan said: "Such a legend."

Nick Atkinson commented: "RIP to a true hero."

Stephen Midgley added: "Thanks for everything you did on that fateful day in 1985. Sleep tight."