Daniel P. Spratt.....Published in the Times Union October 3, 2008

Daniel P. Spratt

Spratt, Chief Daniel P. WATERVLIET Chief Daniel P. Spratt, 60, former Chief of the Watervliet Fire Department, died Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at home following a brief illness. Born on April 1, 1948, he was a lifelong Watervliet resident, the son of the late Asst. Chief Richard H. Spratt, WPD and Jane Clancy Spratt. Chief Spratt was educated at St. Brigid's School, Catholic Central High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Korea during his service. Following his return from the military, Dan embarked on his career continuing to serve in his community in public safety as a member of the Watervliet Fire Department and, over 30 years, went through the ranks retiring as chief of the department in 2003. His dedication and commitment to his department, his men, and the citizens of Watervliet was noted by all. He loved his profession, his comrades and all those who serve in public safety. In his off time, he enjoyed planning and attending social activities with his brother fire-fighters, family and friends. Following his retirement, he continued to maintain his relationships with his colleagues, enjoyed gourmet cooking and dining, telling stories about times past, spending time with his family and especially the time he spent with his beloved granddaughter, Norah. Dan was a devoted son, loving father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend to all. He will be sorely missed. Survivors include his beloved children, Ptlm. Joshua (Shannon) Spratt, WPD of Watervliet, Marcy E. Spratt of Latham; treasured granddaughter, Norah Jane Spratt; his brother, Richard (Joyce) Spratt of Gansevoort; nieces and nephews; his lifelong best friend, J. Michael (Leslie) Brady; special cousin, Tom (Dale) Leonard; and a host of many wonderful friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. from Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid's Church in Port Schuyler. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Friends, relatives and brother firefighters are invited and may call on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. As a tribute to his memory, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Chief Thomas M. McCormack Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Watervliet Fire Dept. Online condolences and directions at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com

Dan Spratt Troy Record October 1, 2008

Former W'vliet fire chief Dan Spratt dies
By:Danielle Sanzone, The Record
10/01/2008

WATERVLIET - A 30-year firefighting veteran died Wednesday after fighting illness for many years.

City native Dan Spratt, a retired city fire chief, Vietnam veteran, former bar proprietor, father of two, and grandfather of one, died suddenly in his home in Watervliet Wednesday, said Josh Spratt, his son and a city police officer.

"He loved Watervliet, he loved his family, and he loved life," he said about his father who retired from the city fire department in 2003. "He loved the guys he worked with at the fire department and talked about them like they were family. He was always so proud of them and their accomplishments."

Spratt started as a Watervliet firefighter on July 18, 1973. He became a captain in 1979 and a battalion chief in 1997. From March 25, 1998 until his retirement on July 18, 2003, he served as the city's fire chief.

Current Fire Chief Don Clickner said that Spratt was one of the first people he contacted before he became chief in January.

"Chief Spratt understood how to protect this city and its citizens," said Clickner who added that he discussed whether he should accept the chief job with Spratt in January.

A graduate of Catholic High School and a former student at Hudson Valley Community College, Spratt enlisted with the Army and was deployed to Vietnam until 1973 when he then joined the fire department.

Mayor Mike Manning said, "Chief Spratt was dedicated to the people of Watervliet and we were very sad to hear of his passing. He was a part of our fire department for 30 years and we are very grateful for the service he gave to our city."

When Spratt retired from the department, he bought a bar in Green Island called the George Street Pub.

"It was a great place to just hang out with your friends," he said.

Councilman Charlie Diamond said, "Chief Spratt was a lifelong friend who epitomized excellence in public service. He loved his family, his community, and his work as fire chief. He will be sorely missed."

Arrangements for the funeral services are still being arranged, officials said Wednesday.