Leland P. "Jim" Murray, local businessman and noted leader of the Cape Elizabeth Fire and Rescue departments, is the winner of the 1999 Ralph T. Gould Award for Outstanding Citizenship.

The Town Council presents the award annually to recognize service to the community in honor of Ralph T. Gould, who was its first recipient.

Town Council Chairwoman Penny Carson presented the award to Murray at the Sept. 13 Town Council meeting.

In addition to nearly 30 years in key fire and rescue positions, Murray is also well-known in the community for his generous donations of time, talent and property. When the high school was in need of a track and soccer field, Carson said, Murray and his mother, Eleanor Wescott, donated the land. Murray has also make numerous donations to graduating classes at Cape Elizabeth High School.

He annually donates a flatbed truck for the grandstand at Family Fun Day in Fort Williams Park, and puts on a "great" fireworks show to finish that annual summer celebration.

And, if that weren't enough, Murray also resurrected a tradition in the 1980s that last year was attended by more than 1,000 people. The Memorial Day parade and recognition had dwindled to almost nothing until Murray stepped in to organize it anew, drawing bigger crowds every year.

Murray and his wife Carol have also been gracious hosts to several municipal organizations at their home on Peabbles Cove.

In accepting the award, Murray thanked the council and the townspeople for the honor. "It's a great town and I never question anything to help it," he said. "I'm proud to be a citizen and a taxpayer."