Hero fireman who helped victims of IRA attack killed with his wife
A FIREMAN praised for helping victims of the 1996 IRA bombing of Manchester was killed alongside his wife in the Sri Lanka attacks.
Billy Harrop, 56, and his wife Sally died in the suicide bombings on Easter Sunday, while their son Gavin, who was on holiday with them, survived.
Mr Harrop was a highly respected former fireman who worked in various roles across Manchester. He is believed to have recently retired and emigrated to Australia with his family.
His wife, Dr Sally Bradley, had dedicated her life to serving the people of Manchester, her brother said last night.
Keith Bradley, a life peer and former Labour politician, said: ‘I have lost a sister, who was not only an inspiration to me, but someone that was respected and loved across Greater Manchester ... She was truly a bright light in many people’s lives. The light may have been cruelly distinguished for no reason or justification, but she will always live in our hearts.’
Mr Harrop was officially commended for heroism after the IRA bombing. He was then a manager at Philips Park fire station, and he and his colleagues were among the first crews on the scene after the detonation of what was the biggest bomb to explode on the mainland.
While no one was killed, Mr Harrop helped tend to the hundreds of injured while also searching for a suspected second device.
Mr Harrop started his career in Salford before becoming borough commander for Greater Manchester Fire And Rescue Service, and taking on senior roles in Sale and Stockport.
Kev Brown, former secretary of the Fire Brigades Union, said: ‘Billy was well known in the brigade and was a real character.’
Fire Brigades Union secretary Gary Keary said: ‘We are shocked and saddened to hear of the loss of Billy Harrop and his wife. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends.’