Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is proud to announce the renaming of Station 4-1 to “Sam Rippey Fire Station” in honour of the Town’s first full-time firefighter and late Fire Chief Sam Rippey. Members of the fire services and local leaders of the past and present gathered Thursday afternoon to unveil the new station name.
Chief Rippey began his remarkable career with the Newmarket Fire Department by joining as a volunteer fire brigade member in 1964. He then became the first full time firefighter in 1971. He was then promoted to Deputy Chief in 1977 and Fire Chief in 1978. Under Rippey’s leadership, the Newmarket Fire Department expanded and introduced a Fire Prevention Division and created the first fitness assessment program to promote health and wellness among firefighters and helped initiate a regional fire dispatch system for the northern communities.
During his nearly three-decade career in public service, the late Chief Rippey was always ahead of the curve and played a pivotal role in advancing public education, fire prevention, firefighter health initiatives and mutual aid, significantly contributing to the safety and efficiency of fire services in Newmarket and beyond.
“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. I’m grateful to Chief Rippey for creating the Newmarket Fire Department’s original Fire Prevention division and carving a path for what is today a sophisticated and progressive division at CYFS.”– Central York Fire Services Fire Chief Rocco Volpe
"Chief Sam Rippey was more than a fire chief, he was the heart of our community for many years. 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." – Newmarket Mayor John Taylor
About Sam Rippey Fire Station (Station 4-1)
Built in 1991, Sam Rippey Fire Station (Station 4-1) is located at 984 Gorham Street, Newmarket and is one of the two stations dedicated to serving Newmarket. The Sam Rippey Fire Station houses one fire crew and the fire prevention and education division of CYFS.
About the Central York Fire Services
Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is a consolidated fire department that provides protection to the Towns of Newmarket and Aurora. CYFS operates under the direction of a six-member Joint Council Committee made up of three members from each of the Town Councils. The
Joint Council Committee provides and administers a borderless, single-tier of fire protection and prevention services throughout both towns in accordance with the Consolidated Fire Services Agreement and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act. Visit
cyfs.ca for more information.
