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.